The Whispering Pines First Nation Chief says concerns from the provincial government about the Trans-Mountain pipeline expansion ring hollow.

Mike Lebourdais says the province claims to be  concerned about diluted bitumen and protecting the coast, but says the feds have a billion-dollar marine protection fund.

B.C.’s highest court decided the provincial government can not bring in legislation to control what flows through the pipeline expansion. The province will be appealing that decision at the Supreme Court of Canada; critics say the decision could cost taxpayers in the millions for a losing battle.

“Our advice was that it’s federal jurisdiction, and that the province was just spinning its wheels on what can go into play. We’re happy that the government is sorting out their jurisdiction, it’s just that now they should talk to First Nations so we can figure out our jurisidiction. When it comes to tolls, resource taxes, that kind of thing,” Lebourdais says.

He says the track history of Trans Mountain has been very good, and questions the motives of the provincial government.

Lebourdais is part of a consortium of First Nations leaders in western Canada looking to buy a stake in the Trans-Mountain pipeline.