Climate Action Network Canada Reacts to Trans Mountain Court Ruling

Unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe Territories [OTTAWA] (August 30, 2018) – Once again, Canadians owe a debt of gratitude to the original people of this land. As fires fierce enough to be seen from space rage across British Columbia, First Nations have won a resounding victory in the ongoing fight against fossil fuel infrastructure expansion in that province. The global movement to confront the climate crisis has reason to celebrate today.

This decision from the Federal Court of Appeal affirms the primacy of Indigenous rights and community consent. Canadians deserve a real and courageous conversation about the future of Canada’s oil and gas industry and its inevitable decline in the face of climate change. True reconciliation means engaging in a meaningful dialogue with Indigenous communities and ensuring their concerns are reflected in future decisions that will impact our land, our waters and the air we breathe. Until we embark on that conversation, Indigenous people and communities across the country will continue to rise up and protect our future.

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CONTACT: Catherine Abreu, Executive Director, CAN-Rac Canada | +1 902 412 8953 catherineabreu@climateactionnetwork.ca

Canada’s primary network of organizations working on climate change and energy issues, CAN-Rac is a coalition of more than 100 organizations operating from coast to coast to coast. Our membership brings environmental groups together with trade unions, First Nations, social justice, development, health and youth organizations, faith groups and local, grassroots initiatives.

Photo: (DENNIS OWEN/REUTERS)