OTTAWA – A First Nations alliance opposed to expanding the oilsands wants the prime minister to condemn energy giant Enbridge Inc. for its alleged role in violating the rights of indigenous people in the United States.
In North Dakota, hundreds of Standing Rock Sioux tribal members have been taking part in a massive protest of the 2,000-kilometre Dakota Access oil pipeline project, which they say will damage the region’s water supply and endanger sacred sites.
Enbridge says it is not yet an owner of the Bakken pipeline system, which includes the Dakota Access project.
It also says it is monitoring the situation in North Dakota and notes its planned investment for a minority equity ownership does not include construction or management of the project.
The Prime Minister’s Office directed a request for comment to Natural Resource Minister Jim Carr’s office, which did not refer to the North Dakota protests or Enbridge in its response.
Carr’s office says the government embraces a “diversity of views and opinions” on the future of Canada’s energy sector and encourages people to express their views peacefully.