We’re aware of the announcement yesterday that the West Coast Oil Pipeline has become the first project designated in the national interest by the Federal Major Projects Office. We have had early conversations with the Federal Government, and our interests have not changed since the initial announcement. Our community is our priority.
We take our role as stewards of the Fraser River seriously and need to ensure the highest standards of environmental protection are in place. We place great weight on our decision making today and how it may affect generations to come. We act with shared responsibility of our hearts and minds.
Musqueam stands by its commitment to the existing Musqueam-Canada Framework Agreement, šxʷq̓ʷal̕təl̕tən – A Rights Recognition Agreement, which guides future discussions and negotiations between Canada and Musqueam. Additionally, Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 sets out the Federal Government’s duty to consult. We therefore look forward to further conversations and to meaningful, early consultation during Phase 2.
This is a challenging time. Musqueam Chief and Council take seriously the responsibilities of balancing the long term economic health of our community for generations to come, while supporting the highest level of environmental protections in our territory and being a strong and stable partner.
