In response to the Liberal victory in today’s B.C. election, Dogwood Initiative Campaign Director Eric Swanson said:

“The B.C. Liberals have not taken a clear position for or against Enbridge’s and Kinder Morgan’s oil tanker plans. Although No Tankers champions Rob Fleming, Jennifer Rice and Andrew Weaver were elected, tonight’s result is a disappointment.

“Just 17 days from now the B.C. Liberal government has to file its final position with the joint review panel reviewing Enbridge’s oil pipeline and tanker proposal. Given the Liberals have said Enbridge is not meeting the five conditions set out last summer, we are hopeful the next government will stand up for B.C. and say no to Enbridge, in line with the wishes of the B.C. public. If they don’t, citizens will rise up once again to force the government to take action.

“A lot of factors influence the outcome of elections and there will no doubt be plenty of speculation in the next few days about what caused the collapse of the NDP. Last week, Dogwood commissioned polling on what effect the NDP’s opposition to Kinder Morgan had and found the party benefited substantially from making the announcement.

“The majority of British Columbians oppose the expansion of oil tanker traffic on B.C.’s coast and will continue to pressure their politicians to stand up for our coast.”

Contact:
Eric Swanson
Campaigns Director
Dogwood Initiative
250-858-9990