TMX OUT NOW!
Climate Convergence Statement on Trans Mountain Expansion Pipeline
January 18, 2021
Despite a two-week construction pause at the end of December 2021, recent news has exposed that Prime Minister Trudeau and Trans Mountain remain committed to building the destructive Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion (TMX).
Trans Mountain has started off the new year by applying to the Federal government for permission to bypass City of Burnaby permitting requirements. This would pave the way for Trans Mountain tear down more than 1,300 trees on public and private land in Burnaby alone.
As construction is scheduled to ramp up in the Lower Mainland, it is clear to see how these rich and powerful pipeline pushers do not care about anything beyond their profits. They treat construction workers the same way that they treat local communities and the entire planet: as something to be exploited regardless of the consequences.
However, these companies are not invincible, and construction of the TMX pipeline is not inevitable. The more we can bring their reckless and destructive plans and practises to light the better chance we have to stop the project.
The construction shutdown in December only came after a Canada Energy Regulator (CER) inspector found “systemic non-compliance” of COVID-19 protocols at Trans Mountain’s Lower Mainland construction sites. This came after months of community pressure and documentation of these same safety violations, as well as a serious injury to a worker in Burnaby that followed the death of another worker in Edmonton.
Meanwhile, the Colony Farm Park Association is trying to get to the bottom of just how Trans Mountain was able to force its plan for turning the Coquitlam park, full of sensitive wetland and bird habitat, into a massive construction “laydown” yard. Their petition to reverse the decision already has over 11,000 signatures (we encourage you to sign it here: https://www.change.org/p/metro-vancouver-protect-colony-farm-regional-park-from-pipeline-construction). The Kwikwetlem First Nation, whose traditional territories the park sits on, were never notified, or consulted. Neither were residents or the Park Association.
The struggle against TMX also continues in New Westminster. In December, private CN Rail police raided the Holmes Creek Protection Camp and fenced off the critical fish and wildlife habitat organizers had been protecting for months. In response, the New Westminster City Council released an important statement reaffirming it, “continues to be concerned that the TMX project is at odds with Canada’s regulated commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce global Greenhouse Gas emissions and limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius;” and in support of the land defenders (You can read the entire statement here: https://www.newwestcity.ca/2020/12/18/council-statement-on-trans-mountain-pipeline-project-and-support-for-land-defenders.php).
The Alliance of World Scientists started 2021 by issuing a report warning, “Scientists now find that catastrophic climate change could render a significant portion of the Earth uninhabitable consequent to continued high emissions, self-reinforcing climate feedback loops and looming tipping points.” Their top three recommended priorities?
“Implement massive conservation practices; transition from fossil fuels to low-carbon renewables including solar and wind power;”
“Swiftly cut emissions of methane, soot, hydrofluorocarbons and other short-lived climate pollutants…”
“Restore and protect ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, peatlands, wetlands and mangroves…”
So, Prime Minister Trudeau, just how does a new Tar Sands pipeline fit into this disturbing reality, and these widely accepted measures to help save the planet?
It doesn’t.
That’s why Climate Convergence, alongside many other groups and individuals remains committed to stopping this project once and for all. We will continue to find safe ways to make sure this unsafe pipeline doesn’t ruin local eco-systems or contribute to the devastation of the massive one we share with 7.8 billion others around the world. Let’s all do our part to Stop TMX and build a better, more just and sustainable world.
Stop the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion!
TMX Out Now!
People and Planet Before Pipelines and Profits!