On Tuesday, May 29th, the Canadian government announced that it will buy Kinder Morgan Canada’s Trans Mountain oil pipeline and expansion project, ensuring the future of its controversial construction. The C$4.5 billion dollar federal investment will effectively triple the amount of tar sands transported from Alberta to the British Colombia coast, threatening the health of the natural environment and the people who call it home.
Environmental and indigenous rights activists – including our grantees – have been resisting the Kinder Morgan pipeline project for years. In fact, Global Greengrants Fund has given seven grants totaling $220,000 to grassroots groups fighting the expansion of the Kinder Morgan pipeline. And since 2006, we have given 22 grants totaling $468,000 to pipeline-opposing work in Canada.
The Global Greengrants Fund community is aghast at the news – and the Canadian government’s negligence of indigenous lives and environmental justice.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time that Trudeau’s administration has prioritized corporate greed over the health of its own citizens and the environment. For example, the Canadian government has yet to follow through on its promise to clean up toxic levels of mercury in the Wabigoon River running through Grassy Narrows, Ontario.
In light of this news, we will continue to support brave activists on the ground as they resist destructive development projects.
We are inspired by the activists on the frontlines in Barnaby, British Colombia, as they continue to fight for what is right in the midst of this news. We know that together local people can make a real difference – because when indigenous and local communities have a say in the health of their food, water, and resources, they are powerful forces for change.