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RCMP present but not enforcing injunction at northern Alberta oil
blockade
(HTM) Source
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Police are present at a blockade of an oil lease road in northern
Alberta but say they aren't enforcing an injunction for members of a
local First Nation to clear the site.
"We are aware of the situation, and we have dispatched resources to
speak with both parties," said RCMP Cpl. Mathew Howell.
"We have not gone into an enforcement capacity. We're trying to get
both parties to the table."
On Monday, a judge issued an injunction for members of the Woodland
Cree First Nation, north of Peace River, to clear a road used by
Calgary-based Obsidian Energy.
The blockade was first set up in February and Obsidian says it needs
the road to conduct maintenance on a pipeline site.
1:57 RCMP not enforcing injunction at Alberta First Nation blockade
"This work is time-sensitive as it must be completed prior to break up
and the imposition of road bans," say court documents filed by
Obsidian.
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Chief Isaac Laboucan-Avirom said the dispute began last year. He said
the First Nation was taken by surprise when Obsidian announced plans
for about 200 new wells without consulting the band ahead of time.
"They do have to talk to us," he said, speaking from the blockade site
where protesters were finishing up a lunch of moose ribs.
> "In meaningful consultation, you start out in a respectful way — not
> coming at us saying, 'We're going to do this whether you like it or
> not.'"
He said the band isn't opposed to development and has agreements with
other energy companies in the area.
But he said the band has concerns about their traditional territory
becoming a "checkerboard" of development. The band is also concerned
about earthquake activity caused by Obsidian's work.
"We still haven't had clarity there," the chief said.
> "Is this something that's going to infiltrate our groundwater?"
The Alberta Energy Regulator issued an environmental protection order
against Obsidian in March 2023 for causing a series of earthquakes,
including the largest recorded tremor in the province's history.
Obsidian says it has a right to the road and that the site is not on
the band's reserve.
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Spokeswoman Susan Soprovich referred to a company statement issued in
February suggesting the band is trying to strong-arm the company into
granting it a monopoly on work at Obsidian's sites.
That statement quotes CEO Stephen Loukas saying, "We cannot accept
their unrealistic terms that amount to a monopolistic relationship as
our sole provider of certain services and as a collector of
commissions for incremental services already provided to us by other
companies.
"In addition to limiting our ability to operate independently in the
area, their proposal is not beneficial to our stakeholders, including
our shareholders, local communities and other Indigenous groups."
Loukas said Obsidian has good relationships with other First Nations.
He added the company disagrees with the regulator's conclusions on
what caused the earthquakes.
Laboucan-Avirom said the accusations from Loukas are overstated and
the band isn't looking for a monopoly.
"Why do they have to exaggerate? We appreciate good healthy
competition."
He said Obsidian is threatening to withhold work from band members as
a lever to pry concessions from its leadership.
"We're not going to be intimidated on our own land."
Laboucan-Avirom said the band remains willing to talk.
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"I don't want another take it or leave it," said the chief.
> "We need to know what's ahead of us. Because we know what's behind
> us."
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