Bishops say Northern Gateway pipeline hearings must be fair

Anglican bishops in B.C. and the Yukon are calling on the Northern Gateway pipeline hearings to demonstrate integrity, fairness and freedom from political pressure.

Six bishops signed the statement issued on Good Friday.

They say comments by federal officials have raised concerns that the National Energy Board hearings may be subject to improper time constraints and industry influence.

"There have been some statements by federal officials that I think have raised some concerns about whether the decision has already been made," said Bishop Michael Ingham.

"Our position is not at this point for or against the pipeline but for the integrity of the process."

Specifically, they refer to an announcement by the federal government to speed up approvals for major resource projects, like the pipeline.

The bishops say the board's final report must command wide public support if it wants to remain credible.

A review panel has been hearing testimony from communities across B.C. and in many of those communities, the pipeline proposal has run into opposition.

Many have called for the pipeline to be rejected, saying oil spills could destroy the environment and traditional native territories.

The proposed pipeline would carry oil from the Edmonton area to Kitimat, B.C., where it would be shipped overseas

Original Article
Source: CBC
Author: Canadian Press