Demonstrators for and against pipelines clash in Winnipeg

There was a heated exchange of words as anti-pipeline protesters clashed with supporters of the Kinder Morgan pipeline Monday night.

Protestersorganized the rally at theManitoba Legislative Building in Winnipegto show solidarity with 47 other communities across the country calling for the federal government to reject the pipeline.

"[We're gathering] to send a very clear message to Prime Minister Trudeau and his cabinet that the Kinder Morgan pipeline is not in the national interest," said organizer Clayton Thomas-Mueller.

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He said, especially with the Dakota Access oil pipeline protesters in North Dakota, the message is spreading that there needs to be an end to pipelines.

"Whether it's the Energy East pipeline, the Northern Gateway or the Kinder Morgan pipeline, infrastructure enabling the expansion of the Alberta tar sands is not in the national interest," he said.

The federal government has promised to deliver its decision on Kinder Morgan's $6.8-billion project, which would triple the capacity of the existing pipeline linking the Alberta oilsands with Vancouver Harbour, by Dec. 19.

Demonstrators for and against pipelines clash in Winnipeg

8 years ago

Duration 0:59

There was a heated exchange of words as anti-pipeline protesters clashed with supporters of the Kinder Morgan pipeline Monday night.During speeches at the protest, a small group of pro-pipeline demonstrators began to gather.

"It's time we stood up for ethical Canadian oil," said pro-pipeline protestor Suzanne Sexton.

She said it's important to deal with a loss of jobs in Alberta and Saskatchewan. While speaking with CBC, Sexton was interrupted by anti-pipeline protestors who said she was spreading lies.

Sexton said the Trans Mountain Pipeline had gone decades without any major incidents.

However, an excavator working on a sewage line pierced that pipeline in July 2007, releasing more than 250,000 litres of crude oil. About 70,000 litres flowed into Burrard Inlet in Burnaby, B.C., sparking a $15-million cleanup.

Two contractors and theTrans Mountain Pipeline ownership company each entered guilty pleas under a 21-count indictment in B.C. Provincial Court. The three companies also paid a $450,000 fine.

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