The Yinka Dene Alliance (YDA), a coalition of six First Nations from northern British Columbia, organized to prevent
Enbridge Inc.’s (
TSX: T.ENB,
Stock Forum) Northern Gateway pipeline being built through their traditional territories, has welcomed a new signatory to the
Save the Fraser Declarationand has also launched a new
Solidarity Accord, backed by some of Canada and BC's most powerful unions, as well as a host of local leaders from tourism businesses, municipal government, health and conservation organizations.
According to the
press release, the
Save the Fraser Declaration is an indigenous law banning tar sands pipelines and tankers from crossing BC, signed by representatives of over 130 First Nations.
"First Nations opposition to Enbridge's project just keeps growing," said Chief Martin Louie of the Nadleh Whut'en First Nation. "Never before have we been joined by such a vast range of supporters from across Canadian society. This gives the alliance greater strength for the fight ahead and shows the magnitude and power of public opposition to this pipeline that is proposed to cross over our territories."
Through the
Solidarity Accord, non-First Nations organizations and individuals
pledge to stand with First Nations in upholding the
Save the Fraser Declaration and stopping the Enbridge project.
"The Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline project is simply too risky a proposal for our industry to support," said Jim DeHart, President of the BC Wilderness Tourism Association. "An oil spill would affect the major rivers or coastline of BC and threaten the entire provincial tourism industry. That's why we're signing this accord today."
"Unifor is proud to stand in solidarity with First Nations as they resist the Enbridge Northern Gateway project," said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Area Director for BC. "It's time for a new vision for Canada's energy industry - one that addresses the reality of aboriginal title and rights, respects our social and environmental commitments, and generates lasting wealth for all who live here."
According to
Northern Gateway Pipelines, the pipeline will run 1,177 kilometres from Northern Alberta, through Northern British Columbia, to the deep-water port of Kitimat B.C. at the head of the Douglas Channel.
The westbound 36" diameter pipeline will carry up to 525,000 barrels of oil per day. The eastbound 20" diameter pipeline will carry 193,000 barrels of condensate per day, which is a product used to thin oil for pipeline transport.
Enbridge is an energy delivery company based in Calgary, Alberta, focused on transporting and distributing crude oil, natural gas, and other liquids.
On Thursday, Enbridge was up 0.6% and was trading at $43.50 a share. The company has a market cap of $36 billion, based on 828.2 million shares outstanding. The 52-week high and low was $49.17 and $39.75 respectively.