( DARRYL DYCK / THE CANADIAN PRESS )OTTAWA—A new paper warns against tossing out the current environmental assessment system over some high-profile pipeline conflicts with First Nations. The Liberal government in Ottawa is currently embarking on a stem-to-gudgeon review of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the mandate of the National Energy Board amid loud protests involving proposed oil pipeline projects running west and east from Alberta. In a study to be released today by the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, author Bram Noble takes a look at eight case studies across Canada and concludes indigenous engagement is critical to resource project assessment outcomes. With more than 600 First Nations across Canada, getting aboriginal input on resource projects is simply a legal and constitutional fact of Canadian life, Bram Noble's new study says. Chief Clifford White of the Gitxaala First Nation speaks during a news conference about the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline in 2015.

Source: thestar July 05, 2016 16:18 UTC