Over the Edge + February 2, 2011

Enbridge’s Michigan Oil Spill will Now cost 550 Million

The increase in clean up funds fuels anger over Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Project

HANNA PETERSEN
NEWS EDITOR

In July of 2010, an Enbridge pipeline in Michigan similar to the
purposed Northern Gateway Project pipeline spilled nearly three
million litres of oil into the surrounding eco-system. Originally
the estimated cost for cleaning up the Michigan spill was $430
million U.S. The Calgary based company recently revised its
estimated costs for the cleanup project and concluded it would
need to spend $550 million By contrast the most recent oil spill
in British Columbia, which occurred near Pine River in Northern
B.C. in 2000 cost only $32 million dollars. However, Enbridge
will recover all of its losses from the spill as the oil company is
insured up to $650 million in “pollution liability coverage’.

A controversial “twin system” to the pipeline, which would run
1,170 kilometres across Northern B.C. and Alberta, is purposed
for the companies Northern Gateway Project.

The pipeline would cross nearly 1,000 rivers, streams, and water
systems and would require two six kilometre tunnels through the
coastal mountains. The pipeline is intended to open up markets
for Alberta tar sands oil in Asia. China’s leading oil refiner,
Sinopec Corp., has also invested $100 million in the project.

The clean up situation in Michigan is on going as the more than
$100-million dollar cost increase suggests. Many opponents to
the Northern Gateway Pipeline view the Michigan disaster as
forewarning to the devastation that would likely occur should the
project be completed.

Environmentalists and First Nations groups strongly oppose the
companies right to run the pipeline through delicate ecosystems
and traditional lands. The oil disasters in 2010, specifically
remembering the BP oil spill in the gulf of Mexico, illustrate the
reality of the risk oil lines and tankers pose.

However, Enbridge and proponents of the project stand behind
the economic benefit the pipeline would bring the region despite
the obvious environmental risk. The project is now before a
federal review panel.

The panel has requested additional information from Enbridge
before a public hearing will be held. The federal review of the
project is expected to take at least two years.

Check ou the UNBC Pride Center

The Pride Centre provides a safe place for all UNBC students

MARGAUX SCHILLING
CONTRIBUTOR

The Pride Centre, open now for its second semester, is
focused on making UNBC more accepting of everyone who
walks through their doors.The Pride Centre (PC) is a key
componentin ensuring that all students at UNBC feel welcome
and safe on campus, regardless of their sexual or gender
identity. Though the PC is focused on embracing sexual and
gender diversity, you don’t
need to be lesbian, gay,
bisexual or trans (LGBT)
identified to visit the centre.
The PC is an_ inclusive
space where people from all
walks of life can find a safe,
fun and relaxing place to
hang out. The PC espouses
the values of a “safe space”
where diversity is embraced
and people can feel free to
express themselves in a
non-judgmental and non-
intimidating environment.

In addition to being a safe
space, the PC offers a range
of services that all students
are welcome to access. One
of our greatest resources
is our peer support. All
peer support volunteers
have undergone crisis and
suicide intervention training
that the Peer Support

drop-in and chat with a volunteer while they are on shift, or
for a more private session or with a particular volunteer set
up an appointment for a later time and place. We are always
looking for new volunteers to come and join our team (it’s a
great way to meet new people, PLUS it looks great on the
resume). Feel free to send us an email or drop in and we'll

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

set up an interview.

As well, the PC has a telephone, tea and coffee as well as a
complete LGBT resource library that anyone is free to access.
There are also a number of exciting social and academic
events coming up this semester. These include a weekly
stitch-n-bitch, a dance party (January 29 at the Clozout club),
Respect Week activities, a
panel discussions related
to Queer issues, karaoke
nights and much more!

The PC is also working
on establishing an “equity
education” workshop that
will be delivered to different
services on campus and in
the community.

The equity education
workshop’ will provide
services with the knowledge
necessary to become safer
and more accepting for
LGBT people.

Feel free to come and see
us at 6-344 (3 floor of the
NUSC building, beside
PIRG), call

us at 250-960-6461 or email
us at pride@unbc.ca.

SHELBY PETERSEN

Network has graciously You'll know when you have arrived at the PC because of the colourful window and all the friendly people inside. Have a great semester!

donated. Individuals can