The NDP convention in Montreal considered the following:
2-05-13 Resolution on Improving Pipeline Safety and Environmental Protection
Submitted by Burnaby—New Westminster
WHEREAS the Conservatives have used numerous omnibus budget bills to weaken environmental protections in order to fast track major energy projects;
WHEREAS the construction of large scale oil pipelines for export of raw bitumen amounts to the export of tens of thousands of value added processing jobs from Canada; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT New Democrats condemn the reckless gutting of environmental assessments through Conservative changes to the Fisheries Act, National Energy Board Act, Navigable Waters Protection Act, and Canadian Environmental Assessment Act;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT New Democrats reaffirm their commitment to thorough, evidence based reviews of proposed energy pipeline projects and that full public consultation must be open and accessible to all concerned;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT any construction or maintenance of energy pipelines should be based on the highest safety standards; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NEB should be directed to consider the impacts of proposed pipelines on the sustainability of the environment and of value-added processing of resources.
Delegate from Hamilton-Mountain spoke in favour of this.
Barry Weisleder of the socialist caucus spoke against this.
Another delegate from Quebec’s eastern townships. Complained about a 70-year-old pipeline that carries oil from Maine to Montreal. Notes that he drives a car that runs on gas and that’s not going to change tomorrow. Have to protect on pipeline safety.
Motion passes.