A group of First Nations plans to put a bid to buy part of the Trans Mountain pipeline before the federal government by April or May.
Whispering Pines First Nations Chief Mike LeBourdias says they have met with all the stakeholders from the banks to industry and it is now time to put the final pieces of the proposal together.
“There is an election in November so we are going to put a preemptive bid in front of him so that is a yes or no before the election. I think it will be a good enough proposal that he will say yes because it makes sense for all of us. We want to have truth and reconciliation. We want to have partnership with Canada and this can be the start of that. This can be a model.”
LeBourdias says the finalized offer will be made within months.
“Probably late spring so April or May-ish.”
Asked what happens if the Trudeau government says no thanks LeBourdias responded by saying “I don’t know if it will get built it is that simple.”
That said he added the deal makes sense to all involved especially the Trudeau government taking a big chunk of the financial responsibility off the shoulders of taxpayers.
“We all want the oil to flow to tidewater and we all want a safe environment. What is the problem?”
He says the group has met with federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau, industry, refineries, and of course the big banks.
LeBourdias says he will spend the next few months briefing First Nations who are part of the bid along the pipeline route.