Democracy Gone Astray

Democracy, being a human construct, needs to be thought of as directionality rather than an object. As such, to understand it requires not so much a description of existing structures and/or other related phenomena but a declaration of intentionality.
This blog aims at creating labeled lists of published infringements of such intentionality, of points in time where democracy strays from its intended directionality. In addition to outright infringements, this blog also collects important contemporary information and/or discussions that impact our socio-political landscape.

All the posts here were published in the electronic media – main-stream as well as fringe, and maintain links to the original texts.

[NOTE: Due to changes I haven't caught on time in the blogging software, all of the 'Original Article' links were nullified between September 11, 2012 and December 11, 2012. My apologies.]

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Enbridge loses the Kitimat plebiscite on Northern Gateway

With a hushed crowd of about one hundred, the unofficial result of the Kitimat plebiscite was read aloud Saturday evening.  Instantly, those gathered at the downtown park erupted into screams of joy.

Enbridge has lost the vote.

YES     1,278 (41.6%)
NO      1,793 (58.4%)
Total    3,071
Nathan Cullen, NDP MP for Skeena—Bulkley Valley was visibly nervous as the smart phone was read carefully for the announcement.
"I am overwhelmed, I am feeling so good about the people here in Kitimat.  Despite all the money, and all the cynicism, bullying that's been going on here, people got together - native, non-native, neighbour to neighbour - and raised their voices tonight," said Cullen, who was interrupted by cars driving by, honking and cheering.
Photo of Nathan Cullen by Mychaylo Prystupa
Enbridge vowed to continue the project, despite the rejection from Kitimat voters.
"Today’s result shows that while there is support for Northern Gateway in Kitimat, we have more work to do.  And over the coming weeks and months we will continue to reach out and listen to our neighbours and friends so that Northern Gateway can build a lasting legacy for the people of our community," said Donny van Dyk, Northern Gateway's Manager of Coastal Aboriginal and Community Relations, in a statement.
Cullen said Enbridge should just stop the project. 
"I am sure they will spin it.  But we know we're on the right side of right...Enbridge should listen, the Conservative government should listen," reacted Cullen.
Gerald Amos Friends of Wild Salmon Kitimat plebiscite outcome -Mychaylo Prystupa
Former Haisla chief Gerald Amos addressed the crowd with a megaphone.
"I think Enbridge and the government really don't understand what happened here tonight.  But I think all of us [here in the crowd] do.  Not just in this community of Kitimat, but in the entire northwest - Terrace, Prince Rupert, Smithers, all points east."
"What we witnessed was a community building exercise that should scare the shit out of them," said Amos, to huge applause and laughter.
Douglas Channel Watch was the main group organizing the "vote no" to Enbridge campaign.  An emotional Murray Minchin - the spokesperson for DCW - gave thanks to the dances given by Haisla in the group's honour.

"This is so much for me to absorb," said Minchin through the megaphone.
"The symbolism of the dance encircling us, and thanking us, is just so huge, I cannot even begin to comprehend the deep meaning of it, and how you took us in like that, it's an amazing gesture and so symbolic.... we are definitely standing side by side."
The announcement marks the end of controversial and hard fought campaigns for both Enbridge and its opponents. 
On Tuesday, Northern Gateway's vice-president Janet Holder said her company will reveal how much money it spent on advertising for its plebiscite campaign.  

List of opposing communities growing

Many pipeline communities – such as Prince Rupert, Terrace, Smithers – have already passed resolutions against the project.  Several Aboriginal communities, including critically the Haisla Nation where the pipeline terminates – are dead set against the project.  
Likewise on Friday, four Yinka Dene First Nations that represent one quarter of the pipeline's route also officially rejected the pipeline, stating they will not negotiate with Enbridge or the federal government any further on the project.
Correction made: Article originally said Prince George council was opposed to Northern Gateway.  It was Prince Rupert.
Original Article
Source: vancouverobserver.com/
Author: Mychaylo Prystupa

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