[All] Line 9 update and letter of thanks

[Louisette Lanteigne]

The University of Toronto newspaper the Varsity, just published an article regarding Line 9 where I was able to speak of the Chippewas of Thames court challenge. The article also raises concerns for the lack of spills response should areas like the Finch Subway station be impacted by a pipeline rupture. A protest is planned in Toronto for the 29th to raise attention to the issues. The full article is here: http://thevarsity.ca/2015/07/21/enbridge-line-9-granted-leave-to-open 
I've got another article in the works with a National Newspaper regarding Line 9 and they are just waiting for NEB response at this time. Once they get that (or don't get that) they'll proceed to publish and I'll update you when it's out. 
After sending my last email to the ministries regarding Line 9, I was able to file a formal complaint with a regulator and have since been notified that a case file is now open and the concerns are being reviewed. 
The challenge thus far isn't based on the contents of the concerns so much as the spin used to file the compliant with various regulators. The devil is in the details so to speak. If I imply in any way that my concern is an issue with the NEB, whatever agency approached is quick to state it is beyond their jurisdiction to investigate. The NEB shares the same maddening flaws as the Ontario Municipal Board. They are untouchable and there is little to no evidence to show they even have legislative teeth to assure compliance for their own rulings. The initial approval for Line 9 had conditions applied to it and to date we've never seen any written evidence to suggest those conditions were ever met. At least with the scrutiny of this project today we've got access to the reports being submitted by Enbridge and we've got a network of volunteers constantly monitoring the data. It's an ongoing process.
The first Line 9 hearing started with just a handful of concerned folks who basically met for the first time at the hearing. We kept in touch and over that time we all worked like crazy to help establish this huge network of informed environmentalist, concerned citizens, engineers, faith groups, First Nation communities and NGO groups. This happened because a small group did little steps every single day to spread the world and the more we advanced the more folks came on board to help. 
Today it's like a miracle to see the number of people who have given strength to the movement. I don't speak much of it but because the normal thing is to keep busy moving forward but taking a moment to look back, it's pretty amazing how far we've come.  
There was a time nobody knew what Line 9 was. Now Tom Mulcair has officially voiced his opposition against this project. Municipalities are passing resolutions calling for valves and reasonable hydrostatic testing. For the first time people are really looking at the NEB and asking, who are these people and is the public process reasonable. This never happened to the NEB before and they are absolutely scrambling like crickets from the light of day.  They avoid mandating reasonable hydrostatic testing and cross exam of Engineers because they were trying to bury the truth and they can't win against those who see it. The issue is so simple a child can grasp and read the logic in five simple words: This is an old leaky pipe.   
I want to let GREN members know that so much of what is happening today with Line 9 is direct result of GREN.  We have collectively traveled together through the world of policies and the wisdom shared and the rewards have been many. So much of knowledge that shapes the Line 9 concerns came from GREN. 
The GREN event with Aamjiwnaang flagged disregard for treaty and legislative rights. The same issues continues with Line 9.

We observed flawed OMB processes with the West Side Lands and Country Side Line. We observed industry bias and lack of reasonable enforcement. They work above the law. 
Our discussions regarding Melancthon Mega Quarry and Lake Huron repository helped me find that fault line that crosses Line 9. Enbridge's data shows increased flaws in the pipe in that exact same area.  
The Crown argues that First Nations crown consent should happen before and not after approvals in the same way municipalities approve plans before establishing critical habitat maps to protect rare species. The Bias is overwhelming, discriminatory and in the end fails to reasonably protect that which should be protected. 

Each issue we have collectively discussed, reflects and relates to similar concerns of Line 9 but in flagging the problem we can now identify the solutions to avoid it and this is good.
I want to take this time to sincerely thank all of you. For our discussions, for the continued work you all do as individuals and collectively to help our community and this planet.  For the ideas inspired locally that can shape national issues. What I know of LIne 9 came from us as a group. It started when we talked together and continued that dialogue with others. If I didn't have you to speak with, I would not have learned as much as I did and as I continue to spread that word with others I want to thank you all, the members of GREN, for what you have done and what you continue to do to help make this world a better place. You have given and inspired the knowledge that have I am thankful for your help. 
Lulu :0)









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