A conservation group opposed to the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines project demanded Prince George Mayor Dan Rogers step down from an organization that sends the wrong message.
The Sea to Sands Conservation Alliance presented its case at a city council meeting Monday night, pointing to Rogers' position on the Northern Gateway Alliance.
"By sitting on this Alliance as a mayor of Prince George, it implies the community is supportive of the project -- a view that is not symbolic of a significant portion of the residents in the area," said Josh DeLeenheer, a spokesperson for the conservation group.
The Northern Gateway Alliance, officially, states it is in place to support the "regulatory review of the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines project."
While the alliance's website also states it supports the view that all voices should be heard in the process, it refers to how the project "can become a catalyst for economic growth" and would "provide long lasting benefits for First Nations and communities along the pipeline corridor."
There is no mention of the potential concerns surrounding the project, including the impact on the environment in the case of a spill.
Sea to Sands said the pipeline would have negative impacts on both the northwest coast of British Columbia, as well as the salmon-bearing watersheds in the interior. Concerns regarding culture, food sources and job security were also raised in the presentation.
The group found support in Councillor Debora Munoz, who moved a motion that the mayor step down from his role on the alliance.
"His presence on the table clearly shows his support of the project, and that is not reflective of my views or the residents' views," said Munoz.
However, Munoz's views weren't shared by other councillors, who agreed it was important to have somebody bring another view into the discussion, and supported the mayor's role in the Northern Gateway Alliance.
The mayor thanked the group for taking an interest, and getting involved in the early stages of the review process.
"The Alliance states clearly to support regulatory review, and I absolutely do support the regulatory review of the project. There are risks and benefits -- and there are benefits," said Rogers.
The mayor added he feels it is important to be part of the discussion and be involved, which is why he took the role he did.
