As further review of the Trans Mountain Pipeline continues, a number of First Nations in Alberta are making overtures to buy the project. At the same time, one of Canada’s railways is teaming up with another First Nation to temporarily convert oil into CanaPux, oil bricks that resemble hockey pucks. KNKX’s Craig McCulloch reports.
The Canadian government bought the pipeline last year for $3.4 billion ($4.5 billion Canadian) from Houston-based Kinder Morgan.
A federal Canadian court halted the pipeline’s expansion in August, saying Canada’s National Energy Board needs to review impacts the increased tanker traffic would have on marine wildlife. It also ruled that the Canadian government failed to consult with First Nations, such as the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish and Musqueam First Nations in greater Vancouver, who are strongly opposed to the pipeline.
Northwest tribes such as Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Tulalip Tribes, Lummi Nation and Suquamish Tribe testified against the pipeline at the Canadian National Energy Board hearing in November.