Ottawa residents attempted to enter government offices searching for science behind Prime Minister’s pipeline decision.
Ottawa, ON – This morning a group of 15 Ottawa residents attempted a peaceful search of government offices on and near Parliament Hill. After gathering outside the Prime Minister’s office, the group, dressed in suits and coveralls, went to Parliament Hill, looking for science and evidence related to Justin Trudeau’s approval of the Kinder Morgan pipeline.
“A few weeks ago, at a Winnipeg town hall, the Prime Minister said he never would have approved this project if it posed a threat to BC’s Coast,” Katie Perfitt, an organizer with 350.org explained. “There’s a nearly 90% chance of Kinder Morgan’s pipeline and tankers spilling and scientists keep saying we don’t know how to clean up a tar sands spill. I think people deserve to know what makes the Prime Minister so sure this project is spill proof.”
At the Prime Minister’s Office, participants attempted to talk to the staff and enter the building. After being turned away by security, the group headed to Parliament Hill where the participants hoped to search East Block and Center Block. After being stopped by police, they made their way to the Centennial flame at the steps of Parliament, where they blocked off the area with caution tape while speaking with the many passersby about the reason for their search.
“Everything I’ve heard from scientists and experts contradicts Justin Trudeau’s claim that Kinder Morgan’s pipeline is spill proof, climate safe and in line with Canada’s commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” Emma Buchanan, one of the people participating said. “I showed up today to try and find the science, but it seems this government would rather ignore people than tell the truth behind their decision to approve Kinder Morgan.”
Organizers failed to unearth any new information about the Kinder Morgan pipeline approval, but pledged to continue organizing, asking questions and taking action. This action comes after thousands of people across Canada sent messages to the government demanding to see the science on Kinder Morgan, just days after two climate activists disrupted the House of Commons, and ahead of a planned mass mobilization near Vancouver, BC taking place on March 10.
“It’s clear, Justin Trudeau’s talking points on Kinder Morgan don’t match the science. This pipeline endangers the coast, the climate and communities, especially Indigenous communities,” Perfitt said. “Justin Trudeau has put the interests of a Texas oil company ahead of clean water, Indigenous rights and the climate. He’s on the wrong side of history.”
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Contact: Katie Perfitt, [email protected], 613-250-0302
Print ready high-resolution photos available upon request.
Facebook Livestream of the action here.