Pembina Pipeline Public Reaction

By Jan Baker

Open Houses held by Pembina Pipeline Corporation have been well attended in the towns they have visited so far, with the biggest turnout expected to be in Prince George this Thursday.

Carey Johannesson, a Pembina representative, says most of the issues raised so far have been about the environmental impact of the pipeline, and about the benefits to the communities nearby the proposed pipeline. Johannesson notes that “a Prince George college has been in contact to find out what employee skills are needed by workers hoping to land jobs on the pipeline construction.” 

Wendy Gramantik, also with Pembina, acknowledges that “100% of the proposed pipeline is on First Nation traditional territories or reserves.” This admission leaves Nak’azdli Chief Leonard Thomas feeling disappointed “that public forums are being held before consultations with the First Nations community.” Thomas says Pembina and the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC) have “only met once at an introductory meeting held last week in Vancouver.” Thomas says the CSTC won’t be able to explore the impact of the proposed pipeline on First Nations territories until resources are provided to conduct a study, and more information has been shared. 

When asked about the lack of First Nations contact Johannesson answers, “We are just getting started. They can expect we will be talking to them lots over the next few months.”

The Open House in Prince George runs from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. with a presentation at 7:00 at the Coast Inn of the North.   

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