ANN ARBOR, MI (MPRN)— For a second time, Canada is invoking a treaty with the U.S. to protect Enbridge Energy’s Line 5.
Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly issued a statement formally invoking the 1977 pipeline treaty. This time, it’s to protect a segment of Enbridge’s Line 5 in Wisconsin.
The Bad River Band Reservation argued in court that Enbridge violated the terms of the easement granted in 1953. The tribe says now the pipeline company is trespassing.
Enbridge says it has an agreement with the tribe to give it time to reroute the pipeline around the reservation.
Joly stated Canada respects the rights and interest of Indigenous peoples, but that Canada must ensure the supply of energy to central Canada.
The first time Canada invoked the pipeline treaty was when Governor Gretchen Whitmer gave Enbridge 180 days to shut down Line 5.