NORTH VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Tsleil-Waututh Nation is commending federal NDP leader Thomas Mulcair for his comments in Victoria on Tuesday regarding the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline proposal. Mulcair stated that the Conservative's amendments to the environmental review process have gutted it and rendered it meaningless, and in the absence of a thorough and credible assessment process, the pipeline should not be discussed.

"This is a step in the right direction and we thank Thomas Mulcair for his comments," says Chief Justin George, Tsleil-Waututh Nation. "We appreciate Mr. Mulcair's opposition to the Kinder Morgan pipeline proposal and his call for restoring the environmental review process. It's encouraging to see the Official Opposition clarify its position on a critical issue that affects citizens of the Lower Mainland, British Columbia, and all Canadians."

"We agree with Mr. Mulcair that until a fair and reliable environmental review process is restored, there should be a moratorium on pipeline projects," continues Chief Justin George. "We are confident that when such a process is in place, the reviewers will come to the same conclusion as Tsleil-Waututh - that these pipelines pose a risk too great to accept."

Tsleil-Waututh Nation will continue to reach out to municipal, provincial, and federal leaders from all parties to encourage them to clearly state their position on this issue. The Nation is committed to working with political parties who are opposed to the pipelines and who want to see Canada's environmental assessment processes restored and rejuvenated.

"Our Nation is standing up on behalf of people from all backgrounds to protect B.C.'s waters for future generations," says Chief Justin George. "We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and we must protect it. We encourage everyone to raise their voices in respectful opposition."

Tsleil-Waututh is adamantly opposed to Kinder Morgan's proposal to twin its existing Trans Mountain Pipeline. The proposal would see the transport of crude oil expanded from its present level of approximately 350,000 barrels per day to 750,000 barrels per day. The Nation has experienced the results of crude oil handling and refining on Burrard Inlet for a number of decades. The risks associated with the pipeline expansion are just too great for its people to accept. The Nation is expecting government-to-government consultation on this project.

About Tsleil-Waututh Nation
Tsleil-Waututh Nation is a progressive and vibrant Coast Salish community of approximately 500 members located along the shores of Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. For more information please visit www.twnation.ca.

SOURCE Tsleil-Waututh Nation