Eastern Mainline Pipeline hearings, MCK granted Intervener status

07/23/2015

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that it has been granted Intervener Status in a another proposed pipeline project, this time the upcoming National Energy Board (NEB) Eastern Mainline hearing process. This follows the announcement (Tuesday, July 21st) about MCK participation in the Energy East Pipeline hearings, which is a separate project.

The Eastern Mainline project would consist of approximately 245 km of new gas pipeline and related components constructed beginning near Markham, Ontario and finishing near the community of Iroquois, Ontario.

�Having this intervener status is important because Eastern Mainline has been reluctant to talk with us since this project is further away from Kahnaw�:ke�s reserve lands than the Energy East pipeline,� said Environment Portfolio Chief Clinton Phillips. �We have maintained that the project is on Mohawk title lands, so now with intervener status, they will have to engage with us.�

The Hearing process, locations and dates have not yet been determined. Kahnaw�:ke is one of six First Nations that have intervener status. The others are the Algonquins of Ontario, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, Conseil de la Nation huronne-wendat, Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation and Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.