Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, new federal Minister of Natural Resources Amarjeet Sohi and Enoch Cree Nation Chief met on Friday at the First Nation site, west of Edmonton, where the equipment used to construct the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion will be stored.
The event, centered around a clean-up ceremony, was supposed to demonstrate the very near future of the project and the support it receives from some First Nations.
But discordant voices were voiced, including that of the elder who led the prayer. “They mistreat our mother Earth by throwing objects into it. It will eventually react, “warns Beatrice Morin aside, once the press conference is over.
“[The chief and my daughter] called me and said ‘we need an elder’. I had no idea what it was, I was informed quickly before arriving, “said Beatrice Morin.
His daughter Amberly Morin, who is the chief’s assistant, also does not support Trans Mountain. “The boss knows my opinion and respects it,” she said.
For his part, Enoch Cree Nation Chief Bill Morin reaffirmed his support for the Trans Mountain Project, highlighting the economic spinoffs for his community.
Asked about the opposition shown by other First Nations, the leader pointed out that the income generated by the project will be reinvested by his nation in clean energy. “This is an opportunity to move forward and evolve. We can do nothing and watch things happen, or we can be partners and reinvest that in more sustainable things. ”
Rachel Notley also wanted to highlight the partnership on which the expansion project is based and welcomed the quality of consultations with First Nations. “We have to put the division behind us,” she insisted.
Waiting For Green Light From US
According to the purchase offer signed by the federal government, the conclusion of the transaction depends on obtaining the green light from the US Committee on Foreign Investment.
“This is not new to us,” said the Premier. “Things are going normally, and there is no reason for the process to get off track. ”
Amarjeet Sohi was also reassuring. “We are very confident, this process is normal and everything will be fine.”
Ian Anderson, president of Kinder Morgan Canada, said construction of the pipeline expansion would begin in Alberta around August 25, and a month later in British Columbia. The first pipes must be installed at the beginning of 2019.

Laura Caplin was born and raised in the busy city of Oakville. As a journalist, Laura has contributed to many online publications including the Financial Post and Huff Post Canada. In regards to academics, Laura earned a degree in business from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and an master’s degree from Brook. Laura follows the money and covers all aspects of state and federal economy.here at White Pine Tribune.