THE Tsleil-Waututh Nation says a marine accident on Monday underscores why the band is steadfastly opposed to an expansion of Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain pipeline, and the accompanying increase in tanker traffic it would bring.
One of the Western Canada Marine Response Corporation's oil spill response vessels was on its way to be used in a photo op for the Harper government's announcement of new tanker safety measures Monday when it became lodged on an unmarked sandbar at the mouth of the Fraser River.
The pilot killed the engine and waited for the waves to nudge it off, which only took a few minutes according to Michael Lowery, WCMRC spokesman.
The irony was not lost on the Tsleil-Waututh leadership. "This would be comical if it wasn't so frightening," said Carleen Thomas, elected councillor with the band. "If they can't even get to a pre-planned photo op quickly and without incident, we have to question their competency in getting to and dealing with an oil spill."
The WCMRC is mandated by the federal government and funded by shipping companies to respond to oil spills. The boat was brought in from Esquimalt for the photo-op, though it would not be one of the ones to respond if there were a spill in Burrard Inlet.
If Kinder Morgan's application is approved, upwards of 34 tankers will cross Burrard Inlet every month.
