Prince George, B.C. – Northern Gateway has decided not to appeal a recent Federal Court of Appeal decision that reversed the project’s federal approval certificate.

The appeal found that the National Energy Board’s Joint Review Panel recommendation was acceptable and defensible on the facts and the law.

The court decided however that further Crown consultation is needed.

“Northern Gateway supports the path outlined by the Federal Court of Appeal for the Federal Government to re-engage with directly affected First Nations and Metis communities to ensure thorough consultation on Northern Gateway is undertaken,” reads a company news release.

“We believe that meaningful consultation and collaboration, and not litigation, is the best path forward for everyone involved,” added Northern Gateway president John Carruthers in a prepared statement.

“We look forward to working with the government and Aboriginal communities in the renewed consultation process. We believe the government has a responsibility to meet their constitutional legal obligations to meaningfully consult with First Nations and Metis. It also reflects the first priority of Northern Gateway and the 31 Aboriginal Equity Partners to build meaningful relationships with First Nation and Metis communities and ensure their voice is reflected in the design of the project.”