The Chief of the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc First Nation is looking forward to ongoing dialogue between the federal government and First Nations over the Trans Mountain pipeline
Roseanne Casimir says the project’s approval was not at all surprising to her.
“We do have a signed mutual benefit agreement with Kinder Morgan so moving forward that there are commitments within those agreements that are followed through with, and that those commitments are truly meaningful and that we are going to see some traction moving forward,” said Casimir.
After the original approval was scrapped, Casimir was asked if consultations with First Nations were better this time around.
“I wouldn’t say that they were any better, because you know what I’ve seen and heard was that there was a lot of discussions and concerns that were being brought forward for us as First Nations, but there was a lot of note taking, you know no real commitment. I know that they have mentioned commitments through the NEB process, but you know time will tell for that.”
Chamber President Reacts
Meanwhile, the president of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to the economic impact for the Tournament Capital based on the pipeline decision.
Joshua Knaak says apart from direct jobs, the project will benefit hotels, rental housing and the Kamloops real estate market and leave lasting benefits.
“My understanding is that they’ve anticipating 750 to 800 employees, and they’re hoping to source at least a third of those locally,” said Knaak. “So I think 250 jobs in Kamloops is certainly significant, and the impacts that it makes to industry are pretty widespread.”
He also said the pipeline decision will benefit Kamloops not only directly, but indirectly.
“This is perhaps a little bit of a stretch, but for me as a 10-year resident of Kamloops, one of the things that I have most been excited about is the opportunity for people to discover what our city is like,” Knaak added.
“Because I think when people come to Kamloops, the tendency is to stay in Kamloops. Many of the jobs are short-term, but I think this is the opportunity for many people outside of our city to experience it, and maybe to stay.”
The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce also signed on as a partner in the Confidence in Canada coalition that last year mobilized over 140 local and national organizations, companies, and communities in support of the Trans Mountain Pipeline Project.
– with files from Colton Davies
