Two protests were held in Calgary on Friday against the expansion of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline.
In November 2016, the federal government approved the $7.4 billion project that would see a significant increase in capacity on the Trans Mountain Pipeline, which runs from Edmonton to Burnaby.
On Friday, demonstrators gathered for a sit-in outside the Kinder Morgan’s downtown Calgary office.
The protesters are members of Climate Justice Edmonton and they say the federal government has failed to listen to the voices opposed to the pipeline expansion.
They say they are ready to speak for those who are not being heard.
“To amplify the voices of the many First Nations along the pipeline route who are fighting to defend their land and water and so we stand in solidarity with their resistance and we want to support that resistance. We want to warn investors that this is a risky investment,” said Hannah Gelderman, from Climate Justice Edmonton.
About 200 people also gathered outside the office of Calgary MP Kent Hehr.
Police were called in to ensure order was maintained because two groups were demonstrating at the same time; one protesting against the pipeline and the other voicing their support.
“I’m sick and tired of their lies and half-truths that they’re spreading all the time. I mean calling bitumen, tar, you know, tar is a bi-product that’s got nothing to do with bitumen and it’s the slander that’s against this province all the time,” said Steve Philips, pipeline supporter.
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says she supports their right to protest.
“I think the more we can have a reasoned, well informed, science-based, fact-based conversation about this issue, the more likely we will find that the majority of people will conclude that the project is in the best interest of the country,” said Notley.
Another pro-pipeline rally is being held in Edmonton on Friday afternoon.
