BREAKING: Trudeaus buying Kinder Morgans pipeline

Details: Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00; Written by editor

PAOV,

We just learned that the Trudeau government will spend $4.5 billion in public money to buy the TransMountain pipeline from Kinder Morgan along with the company’s core assets.

There’s a victory here. Indigenous-led and people-powered organizing has officially forced one of the world’s largest oil companies to abandon a massive tar sands pipeline. Unfortunately, this also means that the Canadian government isn’t just at the beck and call of oil companies, it’s become one.

Like many of you, we hoped that Kinder Morgan abandoning this project would be the end of this fight, forcing Justin Trudeau to reject pipeline politics so we could get on with the work of pushing Canada to lead the 100% renewable energy revolution. But it’s not,... and our Prime Minister has gone from self-styled climate leader to fossil fuel CEO.

Here's the thing about democracy - and using public money to buy this pipeline - Justin Trudeau just made us all shareholders in this pipeline. He just opened a TransMountain office in every single riding across this country, and each of its new executives’ phone numbers and addresses are listed on the government of Canada website. In short, the Prime Minister just gave us the power to stop this pipeline, but we need to get to work if we’re going to use it. So let’s start by asking for shareholder meetings all across the country.

Before this pipeline deal is finalized in the fall, Kinder Morgan’s shareholders are going to get a chance to vote on it, and we want the same thing. If this government is going to pony up public cash for their pipeline bailout, we think people all across Canada deserve the right to have their say. That’s why we’re calling for a shareholder meeting, and we need your help. Send Justin Trudeau and his cabinet a message demanding that they hold public consultations on their decision to buy Kinder Morgan.

One thing to note is that the Trudeau government is still looking for a final buyer for this pipeline -- and so far they haven’t had very much luck. Oil companies and banks alike can read the tea leaves: Indigenous-led resistance is nowhere close to winding down. As freshly minted shareholders, let’s make sure our local TransMountain executives hear this message. Join us in asking the Trudeau government for pipeline consultations in every riding across the country.

From ending boil water advisories in First Nations communities to investing in public housing, there is no shortage of ways in which this government could better spend $4.5 billion. If they’re choosing instead to invest in a massive climate wrecking pipeline that doesn’t have Indigenous consent, they’d better prepare to hear from all of us everywhere they go.

I never thought I’d have to say this but we’ve stopped Kinder Morgan -- now let’s stop Trudeau.

I’m ready. Are you?

In respect and peace,

Clayton Thomas-Müller

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