Earlier this week, the Government of Canada invoked the 1977 Transit Pipeline Treaty (Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America Concerning Transit Pipelines) in order to directly negotiate a resolution with U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration. The move follows months-long attempts to find a solution between Enbridge, the Government of Canada and Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The Government’s announcement was welcomed by Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU), which represents more than 500,000 construction workers.
“The Coalition of Building Trades Unions in Support of Line 5 appreciate the action taken by the Government of Canada to protect good, middle-class jobs. By invoking the 1977 Treaty, the Government of Canada has created a way for the federal governments in Canada and the U.S. to negotiation on this bilateral issue directly. This move shows a willingness to stand up for good jobs – jobs that are at risk should the easement on Line 5 get revoked.”
Ottawa invokes 1977 pipelines treaty in bid to resolve Enbridge’s Line 5 dispute
Statement by Coalition of Building Trades Unions in Support of Line 5