I demand that the National Energy Board respect the Aboriginal and Treaty Rights of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. Enbridge has no right to pump dangerous oil through the community without consultation with, and consent from, Chippewas of the Thames, as well as other First Nations in Southern Ontario and Quebec. The NEB must reject Enbridge's 'leave to open' applications until the appeal is heard and First Nation rights are respected.
Why is this important?
Enbridge has filed 'leave to open' on Line 9 which means that by mid-October or early November, 2014, Line 9 could be pumping tar sands dilbit and fracked Bakken oil throughout southern Ontario and Quebec.
In June, 2014, the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation launched a legal challenge to the National Energy Board's approval of Line 9, stating that constitutional obligations for consultation and accommodation of Aboriginal rights had not been met.
THE CASE HAS NOT YET BEEN HEARD.
Enbridge is attempting to bypass the Court of Appeal in order to start pumping heavy oil through an aging pipeline built for light oil through 18 First Nations, many of whom were not consulted on the reversal project, as required by the Canadian Constitution. And the National Energy Board, closely tied to the Harper government and Big Oil, is likely to let Enbridge get away with it.
UPDATE:
The Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is appealing the National Energy Board's approval of Line 9, with the first court date set for June 16th!
Please consider supporting the community by contributing to the legal cost fund:
https://fundly.com/chippewas-of-the-thames-has-never-been-consulted?fb_action_ids=10155623814695165%2C10153205479245944&fb_action_types=og.shares
You can also show support by attending the court hearings and/or the court support rally:
When: Tuesday, June 16th, 11am
Where: 180 Queen Street West, Toronto
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/706501579458858/706523482790001/
