[All] Line 9 update

[Louisette Lanteigne]

Hi folks

I arrived in London Ontario early so I went to a coffee shop. As I was paying for my food, I put my binder down which contained my presentation, a data key as well as my cell phone. I completed the transaction and brought my food to the table then realized I forgot my binder. When I went back, it was already gone. The folks at the store didn't have it. Customers came and went before I realized it and someone may have stolen it. I had no paper, no pen, no phone and no presentation but I went to the hearing anyways. 

As the hearing began, someone started yelling and the chant was repeated by many of the audience members in the fashion of the occupy protests. Six Nation's reps showed up speaking of how they were not consulted about this pipeline. The crowd was very vocal and the meeting was adjourned but the press was busy covering all of it. By the time they were done, oil executives and the board were long gone, it was mainly just protesters and non industry delegates left. I told the crowed that geologically speaking, these folks have reason to be concern. They live downstream of the Grand where the pipe crosses over and then I gave an impromptu description of the Waterloo Moraine and why our area is a geologically risky place to ship oil through. The economic risks and the complexity of the moraines etc. The press seemed to enjoy that too. I was later interviewed by a lady who works at the New York Times about it. 

The protesters eventually left so the meeting re-started with just delegates  and board present. I asked the board permission to allow members of the public in who were not disruptive to the hering process, to witness the hearing. I wanted to make sure that the process would not strip any compliant citizens of the right to attend if they were willing. I told them if the ones I let in act up, I would forfeit my right to speak. (By this time the activist groups knew of my stance. They supported my efforts and I earned their trust. The last thing they would want to do would be to remove me from the hearing process) 

The Board agreed to the condition and they allowed me to work with police to identify the folks who showed up to the space. Only four to five people actually showed up and they were all in the clear. I was worried if there was no members of the public allowed in, that perhaps the hearing could be challenged in court for not allowing the public to act as witness. The funny thing was, after the doors were open, a fella came in handing out ethical oil brochures. I think he was surprised he was able to come in and just take a seat. He looked somewhat disappointed. After about 10 minutes of the hearing he simply left, looking a little puzzled. 

The NEB liason officer stated to me that I was more than welcome to speak regardless, even if someone acted up. I already knew that but it was nice to know they cared. :0)

I didn't get to speak yet but tomorrow it's my turn. I'm the last delegate. Wish me luck!

Lulu 
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