MN-S President Explains Metis Position On Pipeline

MN-S President Explains Metis Position On Pipeline

Thursday, December 06, 2007 at 13:22

Metis Nation – Saskatchewan has thrown a wrench into the plans of a company to build a pipeline across Saskatchewan.

The MN-S has opposed Enbridge Pipeline’s application to the National Energy Board to build a pipeline to transport Alberta oil to the American midwest.

President Robert Doucette says Enbridge has not consulted with any Metis person or community directly affected by the proposed pipeline — and he maintains they have an obligation to do so.

Doucette says affected communities should be compensated, there should be employment opportunities, and Enbridge should respect traditional land use plans.

He says the MN-S is not against development, but wants its people to be consulted and share in the benefits of such a project.

Representatives of the MN-S were supposed to meet with Enbridge officials today, but Doucette says Enbridge cancelled the meeting because some key people are on holidays.

He says the meeting will be re-scheduled for January.