VANCOUVER – While New Democrats are taking a principled stance against the Enbridge pipeline at the Joint Review Panel hearings in Vancouver, the B.C. Liberals have failed to stand up for B.C., says New Democrat environment critic Rob Fleming.

“Since the B.C. Liberals handed over decision-making power to Ottawa in the 2010 Equivalency Agreement, it’s been clear that the Enbridge pipeline project has been a federal process without a government to represent B.C.’s interests,” said Fleming.

Fleming spoke to the panel Wednesday as a registered presenter, outlining the New Democrats’ objections to the Enbridge pipeline and the risks it poses to B.C.’s environment, jobs and economy. He was also able to observe some of the other presentations.

“I was impressed by the presenters who all spoke articulately and passionately against the Enbridge pipeline,” said Fleming. “These people are standing up for B.C. because their government is not, and they know it’s time for change for the better.”

Fleming noted that New Democrats have taken a principled stand against the Enbridge pipeline, formally registering their opposition with the National Energy Board’s Joint Review Panel in writing and participating in the process every step of the way. In addition to Fleming’s presentation, New Democrat MLAs Michael Sather, Gary Coons, Doug Donaldson and Robin Austin have spoken to the panel against the pipeline.

“The Liberals, by contrast, have not only avoided taking a position, but are prepared to sell out our pristine land and coastline for the right price.”

Adrian Dix has said that, if elected, B.C.’s New Democrats would take practical steps to protect our province, including exercising the right to opt out of the federal government’s review process and setting up a rigorous “made in B.C.” environmental assessment that ensures the voices of all British Columbians are heard.