MP Viersen Proposes Keystone XL Study at Indigenous Affairs Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2020

Barrhead, AB: Today, during a Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs meeting, Peace River – Westlock MP Arnold Viersen introduced a motion to study the cancellation of Keystone XL and potential closure of Line 5.

The motion read:

That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study on the cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline and the potential loss of the Line 5 pipeline in northern and Indigenous communities, that the study take into account but not be limited to the impact on Indigenous businesses, jobs, economic prosperity, self-determination, and mutual benefit agreements as well as the efforts of the federal government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and that the committee report its findings to the House.

Following the introduction of the motion, MP Viersen explained importance of this study to his Committee colleagues:

“I know that this is something that is very pertinent to the fourteen First Nation communities in my area, many of them who work in the oil patch and who are very much concerned about where the job is. They have been in a tedious employment situation for the past five years and now with the news around the Keystone XL pipeline and the potential around the Line 5, they are looking forward to having this committee do a study on this.”

Now that MP Viersen has given notice of the motion, the soonest the Committee can debate and vote on the motion will be Tuesday, February 2, 2020.

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