Pipeline protesters march in downtown Vancouver following Trans Mountain expansion approval

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Now that the Trudeau government says “build that pipeline,” protesters in Vancouver want to make sure the Prime Minister knows that not everyone is happy about it.

A large, loud crowd is in downtown Vancouver Tuesday evening at West Georgia Street and Hamilton Street. They are waving signs, angry that construction is expected to move forward on the project. There are several guest speakers, loud drumming and chanting.

Some even broke out into song.

Protestors are voicing concerns over environmental impacts, lack of consultation with Indigenous peoples, with some saying they feel betrayed by the Prime Minister.

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Some say they voted for Justin Trudeau during the last election, and say there is no way they will do it again.

One woman says if the Prime Minister was speaking to her now, she would have one thing to say: “Shame on you, Trudeau.”

Will George with Protect the Inlet said he came to encourage people to engage in further civil disobedience by opposing the pipeline, in order to protect the environment. He said he was encouraged to see so many people out protesting.

“It is always good to see this many people. When you look in their eyes, you see the same compassion, you see the same concerns that everybody has,” he says. “The people that are sitting in Starbucks right in front of us, they need to know what is actually happening to Indigenous rights and what threat is coming into our environment with increased tanker traffic.”

Another man, who did not give his name, says he came out for similar reasons.

“I’m opposed to the pipeline, opposed to the tankers going through our waters, I’m opposed to the disrespecting our First Nations’ title (rights). I’m opposed to having massive contributions of fossil fuel and greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere that will create a hell hole for our children and our grandchildren,” he says.

He said he thought more protests will continue as the pipeline project moves ahead.

“I can guarantee that there’s going to be a protest, and no I don’t think this pipeline will be built,” he said.

 

WATCH: Pipeline reaction in British Columbia

The federal government gave a second green light to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion on Tuesday. Construction could resume by the end of the year.

During the pipeline announcement, the Prime Minister vowed that profit from the pipeline expansion will be used to invest in green energy and technology.

Trans Mountain will still have to apply for all the necessary federal, provincial and municipal permits before construction can begin.

– With files from the Canadian Press

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