Canadian Member of Parliament Greg Thompson says that the federal government can, and should, block the proposed LNG facility at Sipayik, the Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Reservation.
Thompson, whose New Brunswick Southwest riding (district) includes neighboring Charlotte County, said that his decision was the result of talks with fishermen on Deer Island and Campobello and his overall concern with the area’s environment.
He added that Ottawa is in a position to stop the facility by simply refusing permission to LNG tankers to travel through Head Harbour Passage and Friar Roads, noting that such a refusal was instrumental in halting the Pittston oil refinery in Eastport two decades ago.
“The [Canadian] federal government cannot act until a formal request for permission has been made,” Thompson said. “But I want us to be in the position of having done our homework when the proposal is made. To that end I’ve spoken to most of the agencies that would be involved and discussions are ongoing with Fisheries and Oceans, the International Trade Commission and the Coast Guard. We want to have our position to be well staked out, and we don’t want to be caught flat-footed.”
He added that he has also been receiving “numerous phone calls, letters and emails” opposing the Sipayik facility.