War Has Begun

B.C. First Nations are reacting with anger to the government's decision to retroactively shorten the regulatory review for the Northern Gateway pipeline project in British Columbia.

"This incredibly stupid move on the part of the Harper government will only serve to expedite the battle in the courtrooms and on the land itself," said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs. He described the situation between B.C. aboriginals and the federal and provincial governments as "volatile."

This "pipeline is going to traverse the territories of literally dozens and dozens of First Nations. And all of them have said very clearly that they do not support the Northern Gateway project and that they will do everything that they can to stop this project," added Phillip.

Smug pricks like Paul Wells really don't understand what they are serving as the pathetic enablers of.  It will be B.C., which has never really considered itself part of "The West", vs. Alberta--hippies, rural eccentrics and natives vs. loud-mouthed cowboys in gold-plated  ten gallon hats. Wells thinks he can just sit this one out  whilst snapping his fingers to shitty jazz music.  He doesn't really understand that a federal government that says Canada when it really means Calgary is a threat to national unity.

One good thing, though, about the government's new position is that, depending on the timing, B.C. Lib Leader Christy Clark might get smoked out and have to reveal her real position re Northern Gateway.  Before, the decision's timing  was sure to land on the other side of the next provincial election.  Now, who knows?  I would love to see Ms. Clark run on the platform of despoiling B.C. for the benefit of Alberta.