Skeena-Bulkey Valley MP Nathan Cullen’s Bill C-628, An Act to Defend the Pacific Northwest, was voted down in the House of Commons on April 1.
The bill proposed to ban supertankers from transporting oil on the North Coast, including refined oil, while instructing the National Energy Board to increase consultation with First Nations and communities and assess value-added job impacts when considering energy projects.
“Over 130 First Nations, the Union of BC Municipalities, the province of British Columbia, two thirds of British Columbians, and coalitions of engineers and oil spill response experts all agree: the Northern Gateway pipeline and supertanker project poses unacceptable risks to BC’s environment and economy,” said Cullen following the vote.
Overall, the bill received 120 votes in favour and 141 votes against. All Conservative MPs present voted in opposition, along with one Bloc Québécois MP and one Independent MP.
While he was disappointed no Conservation MP from British Columbia voted to pass An Act to Defend the Pacific Northwest, Cullen said he remains determined.
“The result of tonight’s vote is disappointing. But we take heart in the unity that has grown from this struggle to defend our coast, rivers and communities against Northern Gateway. The question before Parliament tonight was not a matter of left against right, but right against wrong,” said Cullen.
