First Nations challenge B.C. government in court over Northern Gateway pipeline

Another court challenge involving Enbridge’s $7.9-billion Northern Gateway oil pipeline project was filed Tuesday, bringing the total to 19.

The suit in B.C. Supreme Court by the Coastal First Nations group (representing several First Nations including the Haida and the Metlakatla) and the Gitga’at First Nation was added to a growing list of court challenges over the controversial project, which received federal approval last June.

All the other court challenges have been filed with the Federal Court of Appeal.

“I’ve not seen this before. It’s kind of unique. It kind of indicates a number of groups and First Nations felt there were problems with the process,” observed Ecojustice staff lawyer Barry Robinson of the number of court filings.