A Gitxsan House Group is challenging the province’s decision to allow the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) project move ahead.
According to the Luutkudziiwus house, this is being asked for as the project did not meet criteria to be substantially started and that there was no consultation with the house.
“We want to be clear that this isn’t about stopping the PRGT project,” said Hereditary Chief Charlie Wright.
“We hold rights and title to our territory, and we have a duty to fulfil our stewardship responsibilities under our own laws. That means no pipelines in Madii Lii territory.”
The decision was made by the province on June 5th to have the PRGT project move ahead.
This meant it wouldn’t need to apply for a new environmental assessment certificate as it was set to expire in November.
“The point of the substantial start requirement is to prevent projects from relying on outdated environmental assessments,” said Wright.
“BC government clearly falls short on free, prior and informed consent and continues to set the stage for inevitable conflict in the region, and in particular, on our territory and involving Gitxsan laws.”
The 800 kilometre pipeline, owned by the Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG, would transport liquid natural gas to the Ksi Lisms LNG terminal.
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