The Northern Gateway Pipeline is an essential project for economic development and opportunities in Canada. The Northern Gateway Project team, Enbridge, firmly believes that this project will promote social interest: it will create a plethora of jobs, generate billions of dollars of revenue for taxpayers, and will support skills training programs. However, opposing threats from the First Nations have become a rigid barrier for the success of this venture.

Although 26 out of the 40 First Nations along the route have signed equity with Enbridge, some other north-central and coastal B.C First Nations, like Nak’azdli, have sworn to stop the construction of the pipeline. This is primarily due to the threatening effects of oil spill on sockeye salmon and the Nechako sturgeon.

Enbridge is facing legal and political factors that barricade the success of the Northern Gateway Pipeline. Despite the significance of this pipeline, Enbridge plans to gain Nak’azdli’s consent before initiating the construction.

The construction of the pipeline is vital; however, constructing it without the consent of First Nations would be unethical. The court could overrule Nak’azdli’s concerns and permit the project if it is vital for national interest. However, Enbridge should negotiate and gain Nak’azdli’s consensus since this project directly affects their culture and traditions.

Citations

“B.C. First Nation along Pipeline Route Officially Rejects Northern Gateway Plan.” Warrior Publications. N.p., 11 Apr. 2014. Web. 06 Oct. 2014.

Hoekstra, Gordon. “‘There Will Be No Pipeline’.” Www.vancouversun.com. N.p., 16 Aug. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.

“Northern Gateway.” Northern Gateway. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Oct. 2014.