GreenWatch

B. McPherson Sign says, "Sorry for the inconvenience, we're trying to save the planet! BC First Nations and supporters staged an information demonstration at Departure Bay in Nanaimo on Monday. The peaceful and orderly demonstration of about 200 caught the attention of the BC Ferry passengers going to and unloading from the government ferry. Many were supportive of the Idle No More people, tooting horns and waving. The action took place to try to educate the general population about the omnibus bills currently being considered in Ottawa. While the handouts dealt mainly with the effect these bills would have on the indigenous people, they also have profound effects for the general population as well. This little girl is learning about her rich culture. Bill C-38: a 450 page bill would remove many environmental protections now in effect. First Nation people have not been consulted regarding these changes. Bill C-45: 450+ pages that would also remove much...

B. McPherson While the Canadian federal government is pushing hard for a speedy approval process to the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project opposition to the scheme is gathering organization and force. Today the Financial Post is referring to the project as being in a “legal swamp”. The proposed pipeline would transport bitumen from Alberta’s oil sands extraction to the British Columbia coast for shipment to markets in Asia. The proposed route would track through the Great Bear Rainforest, an area that National Geographic calls the wildest place on earth. It is home to rare ecosystems and the unique Kermode Bear. The terminal of the pipelines would end at Kitimat at the end of Douglas Channel. An estimated 200 super-tankers would navigate the treacherous waters each year. Enbridge spokespersons have assured the public that the chances of a spill are very low. Oil tankers transporting crude from Alaska to the lower US states travel far off BC’s coast in order to avoid the num...