Yesterday protestors showed up to over 100 MP offices across Canada as part of a National Day of Action to Stop the Kinder Morgan Buyout. Hand delivering a petition with more than 100,000 signatures, these protestors hoped to send a message to the Liberal government that they oppose their recently unveiled plan to buy the stalled Trans Mountain pipeline extension for $4.5 billion. 

Framed as a strategic economic move to ensure the pipeline gets built, Finance Minister Bill Morneau has dubbed the project an investment in Canada’s future, arguing that it will preserve jobs, reassure investors and get Canadian resources to world markets. 

However, many do not see this as an investment in Canada’s future, especially when considering the environmental threats posed by the pipeline. Just last week, one hundred litres of crude oil spilled at the Darfield Pump Station near Barriere, B.C, making it the 82nd spill reported by the company to the National Energy Board since 1961. 

Chief of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nations, Myeengun Henry is among those who oppose the Kinder Morgan buyout, and on June 4th lead a group of protestors into Liberal MP Kate Young’s office to deliver that message. 

Chief Myeengun Henery, who had previously given Justin Trudeau a sacred eagle feather at the most recent Town Hall in January, says he is disappointed with the actions of his government, and feels it runs counter to the promises he has made to Indigenous peoples across Canada. 

The Council of Canadians, a non-profit social justice organization was also in attendance, brining a 30 foot black snake puppet and several animal cutouts to the Rally. 

Chair of the Council of Canadians, Roberta Clay had this to say about the organizations position on the Kinder Morgan Buyout: 

When asked how people can show their support and stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples who are at the forefront of this movement, she encouraged people to hold their elected officials accountable and be vocal about their opposition. 

Here is the full video of Chief Myeengun Henery’s statement at Kate Young’s Office: