PHOTO: Tim Takaro, Stoney Creek
(Burnaby, BC) A group of Burnaby Residents is frustrated that their case will not be heard in the matter of tree-cutting in the city of Burnaby.
“It is not only a federal matter, it is very much a community matter.” says Elan Gibson, a Spokesperson for BROKE, a citizens organization opposing the pipeline project. BROKE’s Intent to Participate was refuted by Trans Mountain’s lawyers, and ultimately rejected by the Canadian Energy Regulator on Friday.
As reported previously by Burnaby Now, Trans Mountain has applied to bypass Burnaby bylaws in order to proceed with cutting 1,308 trees within the city. The issue is coming before the Commission with evidence being presented beginning on January 18th.
“Trans Mountain is trying to define the question of tree-cutting as a narrow procedural and jurisdictional issue. We all know it is more complicated than that. In Trudeaus’ own words ‘governments grant permits, but ultimately only communities can grant permission’.
“Well, we are the community at the end of this pipe and we still say NO,” says Gibson.
Attorney Generals from all 13 Provinces and Territories in Canada were invited to participate. The Governments of Alberta and British Columbia have indicated they will participate in the proceedings, as well the Alberta Department of Energy, and the City of Burnaby.
“We are frustrated to be excluded. We believe our concerns are shared by many residents, and that more than the provinces of Canada, we deserve a seat at the table when deciding what happens to our trees.” says Gibson.
From their rebuttal to Trans Mountain, BROKE states:
“The three points in our [submission] letter are the reasons why we have tree by-laws in our City – necessity of trees for quality of air in a major artery of the Canadian transportation system and reason for conservation areas: the species at risk act and protection of salmon for the benefit of our west coast economy: and the effects of climate change endangering soil erosion.”
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For further information, please email info@brokepipelinewatch.ca
{See original TransMountain application to get the Canadian Energy Regulator to over-rule the sovereign Indigenous peoples and the various municipalities tree-cutting permit process here:
Trans Mountain Pipeline ULC – Notice of Motion and Constitutional Questions of Trans Mountain https://apps.cer-rec.gc.ca/REGDOCS/Item/View/4031429