In June 2014, the federal government approved the Northern Gateway Pipeline subject to over 200 conditions recommended by the National Energy Board and further consultation with First Nations.

This approval came in spite of the fact that a majority of BC residents are against the pipeline. First Nations whose territories are in its path have rejected it and Kitmat, the town that stands to benefit economically voted against it.

The proposed growth in pipelines and tankers is to serve only one purpose: to support Stephen Harper’s plan to increase oil sands production to 6 million barrels per day. In Copenhagen, Canada promised to reduce CO2 emissions from our 2005 level of 737 megatons (MT) to 607 MT by 2020. Under Stephen Harper’s leadership our emissions are on track to be 734 MT -- all progress on emissions reduction at the provincial level is being wiped out by growth in the oil sands.

This is why we oppose all of the proposed pipeline expansion, including Kinder Morgan's TransMountain, Keystone XL and Energy East. They put our planet in peril and prevent us from making the changes we need to make to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to an acceptable level. Lend your voice to help put a stop to reckless fossil fuel infrastructure expansion by signing our petition against more pipelines and tankers now.

The 1200 km pipeline carrying toxic diluted bitumen (dilbit) would pass through endangered wildlife habitats and the traditional territories of some 40 First Nations. Its construction would irreparably destroy some of Canada’s most majestic wilderness, and a leak or rupture would have devastating environmental consequences.

The tankers that would pull into Kitimat to meet the pipeline are another threat. To reach foreign markets, tankers would have to pass through the Douglas Channel, a narrow 320-km inlet crowded with islands (in contrast to images provided by the Harper administration). It is prone to storms, high winds and thick fog. Super tankers would pass through the Hecate Strait, which, according to Environment Canada, is one of the four most dangerous bodies of water on the planet. An accident is a virtual certainty.