MCK will NOT support Energy East Pipeline at upcoming hearings

04/21/2016

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to advise the community that Environment Portfolio Chief Clinton Phillips will make a presentation at the upcoming BAPE * (Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environment) hearing on 2, Onerahtohkó:wa/May 2016 in regard to the proposed Energy East Pipeline project.

“The proponent has demonstrated through their previous actions that they are not capable of safely constructing a pipeline of this size and scope based on previous leaks and safety violations,” said Chief Phillips in a written brief to the BAPE. “The potential hazards and variables are too great to adequately plan and prepare for all reasonable possibilities. A spill into a watercourse, wetland or other sensitive habitat would have devastating impacts on wildlife as well as potentially impacting the drinking water supply of the Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke and/or the majority of Québec citizens.”

While the MCK is participating in the BAPE process, it wishes to state clearly that direct engagement by the Crown is required in the matter of the legal Duty to Consult owed to First Nations.

“The Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke are very much concerned about the effects of climate change,” Chief Phillips added. “To be clear, this project is being created specifically to move Alberta oilsands crude. A full-cost accounting is required to include the long-term negative environmental and social impacts of oilsands extraction. As with other major pipeline projects in Canada, Energy East must also be rejected in favor of a continued move toward a greener, cleaner future.” 

(*Please note that the BAPE is a Quebec agency dedicated to public information and consultation on projects likely to have a major impact on the environment.)