Cowboys and Indians

What a fiasco. It seems like the Calgary cowboys of the Joint Review Panel or their minders are afraid of the Indians. They've just announced that they're moving the Hazelton hearings to Smithers ( See Opinion 250). The only other community where hearings were delayed because of security issues was in Bella Bella. You'd think the Ontario member, Hans Matthews, a member of the Wahnapitae First Nation, would be able to reassure them on these matters.

In the meantime, people of all shapes, sizes, and colours have continued to line up across the northwest to voice their opposition to the pipeline proposal. In Prince George today hundreds of people gathered to demonstrate their feelings and former Smithers resident Kelly Giesbrecht made a powerful presentation - I've copied it in below:

Good afternoon,

Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.

I have just a brief statement for the record.

I am a Canadian citizen and lifetime resident of Northern BC, originally from Smithers and living in Prince George since 1996.

I am here today as I cannot rely on either my current elected officials, or my current provincial or federal governments to represent, or even consider, my views and opinions on this matter.

I oppose the development of this pipeline.

I am deeply concerned about the irreversible, negative impacts it will have on Northern BC's economy, environment, lifestyles and cultures,  as well as on Canada's international reputation and credibility.

This pipeline is not in the public interest and does not contribute to national security - quite the opposite. This pipeline is an embarrassing proposition. It is unnecessary and unwanted.

There is a better way forward.

Thank you.

 Way to go, Kelly!