Courtesy: Peace River Westlock MP Arnold Viersen
NDP/Liberals Shut Down Debate on Motion to Repeal ‘Unconstitutional’ Bill C-69
October 19, 2023 – Ottawa, ON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today, Arnold Viersen, MP for Peace River – Westlock, introduced a motion at the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee to recommend Bill C-69 be repealed recognizing that it has been deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of Canada and has negatively impacted First Nations and their economic reconciliation.
During the committee meeting, MP Viersen moved the motion and made a case with his Conservatives colleagues for its immediate adoption. Unfortunately, the NDP member of the committee called for adjournment of debate on the motion and was supported by the Liberal Members.
“The Eagle Spirit Pipeline was just one of many projects shelved due to Bill C-69 and was an important opportunity for economic reconciliation and resource development for many First Nations communities including Woodland Cree in Peace River – Westlock,” said MP Arnold Viersen. “The Northern Gateway Pipeline is another project that have brought significant development and jobs across northern Alberta.”
Woodland Cree First Nation Chief Isaac Laboucan-Avirom joined the legal fight against Bill C-69 in 2020. At the time, he expressed frustration with Bill C-69 and the canceled projects: “There is no work in our area. Peace River, there was a major oil project a few years ago that got cancelled . . . due to a lack of access to pipelines and lack of access to tidewater. So now with no resource development in our areas, we’re back into poverty…I really feel that these bills were legislated without proper consultation.”
“We are not going to back down. Oil and gas workers and Indigenous communities in my riding and across Canada need this Bill repealed as soon as possible,” said MP Viersen.
“We will use every tool at our disposal to repeal the ‘No More Pipelines Act’ and bring home powerful paycheques for all Canadians.”
