The entire Line 9 runs from Sarnia to Montreal. Line 9A is the portion from Sarnia to Westover (north of Hamilton) which has already been approved by the NEB for a flow reversal. Line 9B is the remaining Westover to Montreal section which is now in the participant application stage. We must learn why the fight against Line 9A failed in order to better understand how we can more effectively approach Line 9B. 

The NEB relies on participants – either through a Letter of Comment or as an Intervenor – to inform them of how communities along a project believe they will be impacted. Mr. Goudy from the Ontario Pipeline Landowners Association made an extremely strong argument against 9A in his final argument at the NEB hearing. Click here to see the full transcript.

What is unfortunate is that Mr. Goudy and the OPLA were one of only five community groups represented at the hearing. Both the Canadian and Ontario Pipeline Landowners Associations spoke, in addition to the Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Environmental Defence and Equiterre. The remaining thirteen intervenors were all from Oil Companies, Pipeline Construction, Oil Sands Lobbies, and Government. 

Where was the representation for affected municipalities and members of small communities?

Let’s learn from the situation of Line 9A Intervenors. Communities must become actively involved. Raise your voice and encourage City Councillors to act. If we don’t speak up, the NEB will not hear our concerns.