VANCOUVER— Wednesday’s Supreme Court of B.C. ruling on Enbridge shows that Christy Clark’s rush to hand decision making power over to the Harper government was wrong and could put major developments in B.C. at risk, say the New Democrats.

“This court decision sends a very clear message to Christy Clark’s government: they failed on their duty to consult with First Nations whose rights and title are impacted by resource projects,” said Scott Fraser, New Democrat spokesperson for aboriginal relations and reconciliation.

New Democrats have said from the beginning that Christy Clark should not have signed over decision making power on B.C. projects to the federal government for the Enbridge project and Kinder Morgan expansion project. The court ruling shows that the premier’s bad decision left her government failing to properly consult, dealing yet another blow to this government’s relationships with First Nations.

“Until Christy Clark learns this lesson, her government will continue to damage relations with First Nations and risk future development in B.C.,” said Fraser.

“Christy Clark’s government needs to accept this court decision and take a firm stand on both the Northern Gateway and Kinder Morgan projects,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, New Democrat environment spokesperson. “On both the Northern Gateway and Kinder Morgan projects, New Democrats say that we need a made-in-B.C. environmental assessment process, and yesterday’s court decision affirms our position.”