It is with great concern that I write to urge Environment Minister Catherine McKenna and MP Pamela Goldsmith-Jones to withhold the federal environmental certificate for the proposed Woodfibre LNG facility for Howe Sound.
There are myriad reasons why this project would be a disaster for the health of our environment and community and would seriously jeopardize the recovery of the Howe Sound ecosystems. As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to restore integrity and rigour to the environmental assessment process, I believe that diligence can start immediately by withholding the federal certificate until integrity and rigour return to the assessment process to ensure the public’s trust.
I call on you to take action today and stand with the communities and municipalities around the Sound who say “no” to Woodfibre LNG and increased greenhouse gas emissions into the airshed.
I am a Squamish Nation member. The proponents have not supplied all the people with proper information and a vote took place among the 16 elected council, which is contrary to our custom – it requires a vote from all 4,000-plus members. There is no free prior informed consent from all members of the Squamish Nation.
Last week, a new court case came down indicating the province failed in its duty to consult regarding another project, the Northern Gateway.
The Squamish Nation, Burrard and Coquitlam nations have not consulted their memberships regarding projects.
Please ensure that a certificate is not provided with proper consultation of all members of the Squamish, Burrard and Coquitlam nations by the province, elected councils in each nation and industry.
Beverly Brown
Squamish First Nation member
Maple Ridge
