The Assembly of First Nations says it has been granted intervenor status in a reference case launched by the B.C. government regarding the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion project.
The province is seeking an opinion as to whether it can regulate and place restrictions on companies that move diluted bitumen through the province.
“The AFN has a long history of participating in judicial proceedings where our peoples, their rights and traditional territories are concerned. Any decision in this reference case could have far-reaching impacts for First Nations across the country and the AFN is uniquely positioned to provide a national perspective on these potential impacts,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde in a statement.
“The AFN will insist the court consider First Nations’ perspectives on their relationship to the lands and natural environment, and the way these relationships are uniquely and inextricably connected to First Nations health, well-being and our cultural, social and economic vitality.”
The province is seeking clarity if it can regulate a substance from another province and if federal laws supersede B.C.’s regulations.
(PHOTO: Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion project. Photo courtesy nrcan.gc.ca)