On June 8, 2017, we were ready to add file photos, new nuts, bolts, and fittings to the eastern section of the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline near St. Ignace, Michigan. Enbridge is the Route 5 pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac in Mackinac City, Michigan. (Canada Press / Detroit News-Dale G. Young)
Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson has doubled Canada’s claim that continued operation of the Line 5 pipeline is “non-negotiable.”
Wilkinson made a comment at the House of Commons today following media reports that the cross-border pipeline faces yet another court challenge.
In addition to Michigan’s efforts to close the line, Wisconsin’s indigenous bands are now calling on Wisconsin judges to do the same.
The Globe and Mail reports that the Bad River Band on Lake Superior claims that pipeline owner Enbridge Inc. has lost the right to operate in its territory.
In February, the band filed a motion for summary judgment against Enbridge. In other words, he called for the closure of Line 5 without trial.
The challenge arises as Enbridge tries to fend off Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who fears an ecological disaster in the Straits of Mackinac, where the twin lines cross the Great Lakes.
“The continued operation of Line 5 is indisputable,” Wilkinson said Friday in response to a question from Conservative Rep. John Brassard.
“We will take appropriate steps to ensure the continued safe operation of this critical infrastructure, and we will continue to work closely with the owners of Line 5.”
In the case of Michigan, Canada invokes the 1977 Bilateral Pipeline Treaty aimed at ensuring an uninterrupted flow of energy between the two countries, allowing the courts there to carry out these negotiations. I requested.
It is not yet clear whether the LDP government will do so again on the Wisconsin issue.
“Canada and the United States continue to work on the process to ensure continued operation of Line 5 under the 1977 Transit Pipeline Agreement,” Wilkinson said.
“Until this issue is resolved, I will continue to raise the issue with my US counterparts, as I do continuously.”
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