Many people have heard about the Enbridge project and more have a strong opinion on the controversial issue ranging from either end of the spectrum: fierce support or harsh condemnation.

This Calgary-based corporation’s negotiations are heating up with First Nations communities; although the federal government (under the Harper government) has already approved the project, it can still ultimately fail without the approval of local First Nations communities. The external factors involved in this project include Enbridge stakeholders, First Nations communities, local governments, and foreign investment in the form of the Asian market. Of these, one of the most important ones is the influence of the First Nations community as they pose a significant political barrier.

Given the recent Supreme Court case ruling that stated development on First Nations land can happen only if one of the two conditions are met: the consent of the First Nations group is granted, or the government recognizes that the development is pressing and substantial, Enbridge simply cannot proceed with the pipeline without Aboriginal support. The importance of the land as a source of food and opportunity for future generations cannot be understated as one Aboriginal leader states, “When people talk about “our land” they talk about it as their home”.

The possibility for the Enbridge project to not exist beyond its drawings is very real for stakeholders and foreign investors which would lead to a financial loss that would exceed billions of dollars.

References:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal/supreme-court-s-tsilhqot-in-first-nation-ruling-a-game-changer-for-all-1.2689140

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/There+will+pipeline/10122968/story.html