Opposition to Kinder Morgan's pipeline expansion is growing at Simon Fraser University's Burnaby campus, just a short distance from a potential pipeline route through the Burnaby Mountain conservation area.
On Thursday, the Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group organized a rally on campus against the pipeline.
Meanwhile, the SFU Faculty Association voted in support of three motions related to the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion. The first called for the university's board to divest in fossil fuels. The second was to oppose the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion, no matter where the route goes. The third was in support of people's communication rights and in opposition to the misuse of the legal process to intimidate or silence lawful expression of opinion. That third motion is a response to Kinder Morgan's multimillion civil suit against five protesters, including two SFU professors.
SFU communication professor Bob Hackett brought two of the motions to the association, which represents 1,100 SFU professors, lecturers, lab instructors and librarians. Hackett is a Burnaby resident opposed to the pipeline, who was granted intervenor status in the National Energy Board hearing, since the pipeline route could come close to his last Burnaby townhouse complex. The divestment motion was brought forward by another professor.
“I think I was very surprised and pleased they were passed without dissenting vote,” Hackett said. “It suggests Kinder Morgan’s heavy handed tactics are backfiring in public opinion. I think opposition is growing.”
The NOW requested an interview with SFU president Andrew Petter, but none was granted and we were told the university had no comment.
Which SFU groups were recently granted intervenor status in the NEB's hearing for the Kinder Morgan expansion? Click here to find out.
