Government joins First Nations vowing to fight pipeline projects

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – First Nations across the province now have the support of thousands of government workers when it comes to fighting proposed pipeline projects. And some high-profile unions are backing this new declaration.

Unifor, the BC Teachers’ Federation and the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU), which represents about 65,000 government workers, are in support of banning pipelines and tankers through First Nations lands.

Paul Finch with the BCGEU says they support creating jobs, but he wants the province to consult with First Nations leaders before doing anything.

“I don’t people are ever going to agree on everything. You’re always going to have a debate and discussion; I think that’s one of the things that makes us a vibrant democracy. It means that we can arrive at the best solution.”

He’s also pushing for a fair and balanced process before any projects are given the green light. “We support resource projects when they’re done properly, when there is proper consultation with First Nations peoples and critically when those projects benefit working people and benefit the people of this province and when they don’t just benefit a small group of corporations.”

He adds being consulted is just one reason why they signed the accord. They also want guarantees the environment will be protected and preserved.

The unions have signed the Save the Fraser declaration, a document of indigenous law banning the Northern Gateway pipeline or similar projects from crossing certain territories.

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