Oil Spill Response: Canadian Coast Guard “Gone Fishing”

CAUGHT ON VIDEO: Lead federal agency for oil spill response sends fishing party instead of clean-up crew; Gitga’at Nation accuses federal government of mishandling oil spill response in the Great Bear Rainforest.

HARTLEY BAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA (May 3, 2012) - The leadership of the Gitga’at Nation held an emergency meeting this afternoon to discuss what they see as a failure of the federal government to respond appropriately to an unfolding maritime oil spill in the Great Bear Rainforest. The spill is originating from the Brigadier General M.G. Zalinski, a U.S. army ship that sank in 1946 with 700 tonnes of bunker fuel on board.

The Gitga’at say the government is underestimating the size of the spill and they are demanding a full clean-up of the wreckage.

“We sent our own people to sample for oil yesterday, and when they got there, they found the Coast Guard fishing,” says Arnold Clifton, Chief Councillor of the Gitga’at Nation. “It’s disgraceful. How can Canadians have any confidence in this government’s ability to deal with an oil spill if they don’t take it seriously?”

The oil spill, which varies in appearance depending on the tides, was recently reported by a commercial pilot as reaching a size between two and five miles long and 200 feet wide inside the Grenville Channel. The Gitga’at have taken their own photos and video of the spill, including an aerial photo showing concentrated plumes of upwelling oil.

“We were promised this would be cleaned-up by 2010,” says Clifton. “Two years later nothing has happened and it’s only getting worse. We’ve had enough excuses. It’s time for action. Our people depend on a healthy ocean for their livelihood.

In addition to the Zalinsky, the BC ferry Queen of the North is also leaking diesel fuel just south of the Grenville channel. The ferry sank in 2006 with 220,000 litres of diesel fuel and 23,000 litres of lubricating oil on board. The federal government has also been promising to remove the fuel on board that wreckage since 2006, but with no results.

“The last time we took a fuel sample from the Queen of the North and sent it to the Coast Guard, they yelled at us and asked us why we were taking samples,” says Marven Robinson, a Councillor with the Hartley Bay Band Council. “We’re taking our own samples because the federal government isn’t doing its job.”

The Gitga'at, who were the first responders to the Queen of the North sinking, say the federal government's failure to manage these spills has deepened their opposition to any plan to have oil tankers travel through their territorial waters. The proposed Enbridge pipeline would bring 225 oil tankers per year through Gitga'at territory.

Contact Information: Andrew Frank Media Relations 604-367-2112

Oil Spill Reported In The Great Bear Rainforest

Gitga’at Nation reports large spill believed to be from sunken munitions ship; calls on federal government for immediate response and full clean-up. HARTLEY BAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA (May 2, 2012) - The Gitga’at Nation of Hartley Bay is reporting an oil spill, between two and five miles long and 200 feet wide inside the Grenville Channel, not far from the proposed tanker route for the Enbridge Gateway pipeline. The spill was spotted by a commercial pilot and reported to the Gitga’at Nation and the Canadian Coast Guard yesterday evening.

A Coast Guard landing craft from Prince Rupert is on its way to the spill, and expected to arrive by 12pm. The Gitga’at are sending their own Guardians to take samples and have chartered a plane to take aerial photos of the spill.

“If this spill is as big as the pilots are reporting, then we’re looking at serious environmental impacts, including threats to our traditional shellfish harvesting areas,” says Arnold Clifton, Chief Councillor of the Gitga’at Nation. “We need an immediate and full clean-up response from the federal government ASAP.”

Heavy oil, known as “bunker c” is thought to be upwelling from the USAT Brigadier General M.G. Zalinski, a U.S. army transport ship that sank in 1946 with 700 tonnes of bunker fuel on board. The Canadian government has been saying it would remove the oil and munitions from the ship since 2006, but with no results.

“Right now we’re focused on getting a handle on the size of the spill and the clean-up that’s required,” says Clifton. “But this incident definitely raises questions about the federal government’s ability to guard against oil spills and to honour its clean-up obligations. As a result, our nation has serious concerns about any proposal to have tankers travel through our coastal waters, including the Enbridge proposal.”

The spill is just the latest in a series of spills of bunker oil and diesel coming from the Zalinski and the BC Ferry Queen of the North, which sank in 2006. Despite government assurances of clean-up, both wreckages continue to leak fuel, fouling the marine environment, and heightening the fear of future oil spills.

The Gitga’at depend on the ocean for 40% of their traditional diet.

Photos of the spill are available below, with aerial photos and b-roll expected shortly.

Contact Information: Andrew Frank Media Relations 604-367-2112

Oil spill in the Great Bear Rainforest.

Gitga'at Guardian takes a sample from the spill.

Oil on the water.

 

First Nation Withdraws From Enbridge Gateway Pipeline Review; Accuses Federal Government of Predetermining Project Approval

Nuxalk Nation cites the federal government's failure to consult honourably for decision to withdraw from National Energy Board review. BELLA COOLA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - April 5, 2012) - A number of Hereditary Chiefs and elders of the Nuxalk First Nation of Bella Coola have counseled their elected Chief and Council to withdraw as intervenors from the National Energy Board's Joint Review Panel Process for the Enbridge Gateway oil tanker and pipeline project. They say the federal government has already predetermined its approval of the project.

The Nuxalk are the second First Nation to pull out of the pipeline review process in recent months, while other nations have refused to intervene all together. The withdrawal is another sign that the federal government is mishandling its relationship with First Nations, including its statements last week that it will change the rules for the Enbridge pipeline hearings retroactively, which is unfair and will likely further compromise the regulatory review.

Public hearings in the coastal community of Bella Bella, home of the Heiltsuk First Nation, were delayed after a peaceful community demonstration against the proposed Enbridge project with drumming and singing at the airport.

"There is no honour in the federal Crown's approach to consulting with First Nations on the Enbridge project," says Andrew Andy, the elected Chief of the Nuxalk Nation. "Recent statements make it clear that the Prime Minister has already decided to approve the super-tanker project that would violate First Nations' Title and Rights and put our coastal waters at risk of a major oil spill."

The Nuxalk support the decision of other Nations to oppose the process through the Joint Review Panel, but say the review is not being done in good faith and has been undermined by repeated and controversial public statements by the Prime Minister and Natural Resources Minister that suggest a predetermined approval.

"Despite our serious concern about this process, including the lack of any decision-making role for First Nations, we entered the process in good faith," says Andy. "The government's disrespectful behaviour these past months makes clear that our good faith is not being returned."

"How can we participate in a process driven by a government that has labelled us 'socially dysfunctional'?" says Charlie Nelson, a Hereditary Chief of the Nuxalk Nation, referring to recent controversial statements by Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver. "Where is the honour in the Crown stating that it's prepared to violate our constitutionally-protected Title and Rights before the work of gathering information on the scope of infringement is even done?"

The Nuxalk say the Joint Review Panel has no mandate to consult with First Nations, and there has been no clarity provided by the federal government about how it will consult on issues that fall outside of the Joint Review Panel process.

Contact Information:

Nuxalk Band Administration Chief Councillor Andrew Andy (250) 799-5613 / 5959

Nuxalk Hereditary Chief, Charlie Nelson (250) 305-4182

Gitga'at First Nation Reacts to Minister of Natural Resources' Insulting Remarks

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - (March 21, 2012) - Arnold Clifton, Chief Councillor of the Gitga'at First Nation, issued the following statement in response to media reports that Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, called First Nations communities "socially dysfunctional" during a speech this morning to the Vancouver Board of Trade, extolling the virtues of "responsible resource development."

"This language is insulting to First Nations and the Minister should apologize," says Chief Clifton of the Gitga'at First Nation. "This slip of the tongue shows that stereotypes about First Nations people are alive and well in the federal government, and it helps explain why this government has such a mistrustful and dysfunctional relationship with Aboriginal communities."

Speaking specifically about his own nation's dealings with the federal government and its controversial support of the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline, Chief Clifton continued:

"If you want to talk about 'social dysfunction' let's talk about the impacts that an oil spill from the Enbridge oil tanker and pipeline project would have on our community. We are already struggling with the effects of an oil spill from the Queen of the North ferry, which sank in 2006, and the Brigadier General M.G. Zalinski (a munitions ship that sank in 1946) is leaking more oil everyday. The federal government has yet to clean up or contain these spills, and several of our traditional harvesting areas are now closed. 40% of our food supply comes from the ocean. One oil spill from a supertanker in BC's coastal waters would wipeout our livelihoods forever - now that's dysfunctional."

Contact Information: Andrew Frank Media Relations 604-367-2112

Eclipse Awards Named British Columbia's Best Employer

Eclipse Awards' investment in its people allowed the company to weather the financial downturn and emerge stronger than before. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - March 13, 2012) - Eclipse Awards, a leading designer of recognition awards and programs that drive change in businesses and organizations, from Microsoft to the US Marine Corps, has been named BC's Best Employer.

The company was recognized earlier this month by Small Business BC, for its commitment to creating a healthy, safe and inspiring place to work, as well as significant contributions to Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, where the company is based.

"Our resiliency has been because of our commitment to our staff, the community and the environment, not in spite of it," says Toby Barazzuol, President of Eclipse Awards. "That is the lesson that we hope to share with other small businesses."

In 2010, Eclipse, which specializes in hand-crafted crystal recognition awards as well as eco-friendly green awards made from reclaimed materials, became the 8th company in British Columbia to be recognized as a member of the Living Wage for families campaign.

In addition to paying its employees a living wage, the company offers subsidized transit passes and cash incentives for staff who walk or bike to work, and the work space features abundant natural light and a 2000 sq. ft. green roof with gardening plots for staff.

When the economic downturn hit in November of 2008, rather than laying off employees, the company was able to transition to a four day work week, a move Barazzuol says was only possible because of the transparent work environment and supportive culture developed through the company's commitment to its employees.

"As a company, our mission is to help other organizations recognize and celebrate the human side of business and sustainability," says Barazzuol. "This philosophy guides how our company operates and how we value our team. This award is a great reminder of why we do what we do."

Founded in 1998, Eclipse Awards is an experienced, world-class supplier of crystal awards, green awards and glass recognition awards. Clients includeNASA, Microsoft, Molson, Canada Green Building Council and the U.S. Marine Corps. For more information visit: http://www.eclipseawards.com.

Contact Information: Eclipse Awards Toby Barazzuol President 604-639-4200 www.eclipseawards.com

Enbridge Pipeline and Tanker Opposition Mounts as Risks Multiply

First Nations, Unions, Business and Environmental Interests Deliver Message in Ottawa-Destructive Oil Pipelines and Tankers Not in Canada's Interest OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 13, 2012) - A diverse delegation from British Columbia, including First Nations leaders and business, environment and labour groups, are in Ottawa today to send a message that opposition is steadily growing to the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline and tanker project.

The delegation said the Enbridge project will not be permitted to proceed, according to declarations based on First Nations Rights and Title. The proposed project would trample First Nations rights, threaten thousands of jobs across Canada, and prevent Canada from tackling global warming.

"We will defend our Rights, no matter what bully tactics the federal government throws at us," said Saik'uz First Nation Chief Jackie Thomas, of the Yinka Dene Alliance. "Our decision has been made: Enbridge will never be allowed in our lands."

Beginning in January, an additional 40 First Nations people or groups signed Declarations banning the project, using their own constitutionally-recognized laws, for a total of more than 130 opposed Nations. Four more major B.C. municipalities have also passed recent resolutions against the Enbridge project, adding to the broad resolution of the Union of B.C. Municipalities against tankers. Also, more than 30,000 Canadians have signed a petition opposing the pipelines and tankers since January 6th when the government began its campaign to marginalize opponents. Meanwhile, the Communications, Energy and Paperworks (CEP) Union of Canada, representing 150,000 Canadian workers, including most of the workers employed in the tar sands, is also opposed.

"Canada does not need the Gateway pipeline" said David Coles, President of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union. "Gateway is contrary to our need for jobs, the economy, environmental protection and First Nations rights; these four pillars have to be the priority."

A recent study estimates that roughly 200,000 manufacturing jobs have already been lost due to Dutch Disease, a syndrome related to the rapid increase in tar sands exports. This problem will escalate with tar sands expansion. In addition, there are thousands of local jobs put at risk by the Enbridge pipelines and tankers.

"The commercial fishing and tourism industries employ 45,000 people in B.C. Enbridge and the federal government want us to risk these sustainable jobs, the fisheries resources, our way of life and our communities for a mere 217 jobs," said Arnie Nagy, United Fisherman's and Allied Workers' Union, which is against the proposed Enbridge pipeline and supertankers.

The delegation met with MPs from the three opposition parties. Nagy and Michael Uehara, President of the multi-award-winning King Pacific Lodge, a tourism leader, requested meetings with Ministers Oliver and Kent, and were refused, yet did meet with Randy Kamp, MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

Dr. Rick Smith, Executive Director of Environmental Defence added, "The proposed Gateway project is a gateway alright: a gateway to a future where we destroy our coast with oil supertankers, radically increase the pollution coming from the tar sands and double down on a path toward dangerous levels of climate change."

The delegation referred to a new report by Environmental Defence and Forest Ethics called Our Nation, Their Interest: The Case Against the Northern Gateway Pipeline and Tanker Project. The report documented why Enbridge's proposal is not in the interest of Canadians, from an economic and environmental perspective, despite efforts from the industry and federal government to convince citizens otherwise. It found that the pipeline would carry 100 million tonnes of carbon pollution each year and is premised on a scenario of dangerous inaction on climate change. The report can be found at www.environmentaldefence.ca/ournationtheirinterest.

The delegation follows new evidence revealed under Access to Information that federal bureaucrats warned the government about the heightened legal risk due to its own failure to provide adequate resources for First Nations to engage in the regulatory process for Enbridge Northern Gateway.

Contact Information:

Chief Jackie Thomas Saik'uz First Nation Yinka Dene Alliance 250-567-8048

Environmental Defence Stephanie Kohls 416-323-9521 ext. 232; 647-280-9521 (cell)

Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union, Canada Dave Coles President 613-299-5628

"Unreasonable" Consultation and the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline

Mike De Souza has a story in the Financial Post this morning, suggesting that the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline review process could be overturned by the courts because of "unreasonable" consultation with aboriginal communities. That suggestion comes from the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency itself (one of the two government agencies tasked with reviewing the pipeline), and focuses on the lack of funding provided to Aboriginal communities to participate meaningfully in the review process.

While there is clearly a financial aspect that defines "unreasonable" consultation, there is also a moral aspect, and in that regard the Harper government has failed miserably. As I've related through my own story as a whistleblower, the Prime Minister's Office has actively worked behind-the-scenes to undermine the ability of a registered intervenor (ForestEthics) to participate in the review process, labeling the organization an "Enemy of the government of Canada" and an "Enemy of the people of Canada" and attempting to cut-off its charitable funding by Tides Canada, an environmental foundation.

Last week representatives of Tides Canada appeared before the Senate committee on energy, environment and natural resources to defend their charity against accusations of misusing funds in support of anti-oil sands campaigns. Despite expressing concern that dissenting voices are being silenced by the government, Tides Canada appears relieved to cast off one of those voices after a nearly 10 year relationship. While this is a testament to the pressure Tides Canada feels from the Harper government, it also showcases the organization's own lack of leadership - you can't have it both ways, are you against voices being silenced, or are you complicit in that silencing?

Here's an excerpt from a related article:

Paglia [Executive Director of ForestEthics] believes that its U.S.-based campaign is the real reason ForestEthics has become a target—and why the government is pressuring Tides Canada, one of ForestEthics' main funders, to drop its support for the group.

Paglia said ForestEthics is considering leaving Tides Canada voluntarily in order to protect Tides' other 30 organizations.

"What we're seeing is that every decision we make on fossil fuels ... brings more pressure on Tides," Paglia said. "We don't want to stay at Tides if it means the other [30] projects pay the price for them keeping us."

"If ForestEthics is feeling they may create negative impacts, I think they're taking a responsible approach," said Merran Smith, director of the energy initiative at Tides Canada.

Leaving Tides Canada would not affect ForestEthics' U.S. operation, Paglia said, but the group would lose the U.S. and Canadian foundation grants that support most of its Canadian campaigns. It would also be unable to give donors tax receipts, which might discourage individual donors.

Those Canadian campaigns include ForestEthics' participation in the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline review.

In late January, EcoJustice filed a motion that would require the pipeline review panel to determine if "recent statements by the Prime Minister or by the Minister of Natural Resources ... constitute an attempt by those ministers to undermine or to have had the effect of undermining the Panel hearing process or the credibility of any intervenor or any Person appearing before the Panel ... and identify the steps that it will take to correct such unfairness." Clearly we need to look much deeper than that.

It is my sincere hope that if the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline is ever approved (and that's a big IF), that subsequent legal challenges include subpoenas calling on Tides Canada CEO, Ross McMillan, and representatives of the Prime Minister's Office to determine just how "unreasonable" the federal government's consultation has been, both in public and behind closed doors, including outright attempts to pressure, bully and remove the funding of registered intervenors in the pipeline review process.

Until that time comes, it's up to us as citizens to hold the government, and those who would sadly obscure its bullying behaviour, to account in the court of public opinion.