The panel acknowledged the project is likely to hurt caribou and grizzly populations, and said a large oil spill would cause a significant environmental, societal and economic burden -- although that large spill scenario is unlikely, and the effects would not be permanent. The panel steered clear of larger First Nation concerns about constitutionally protected rights to traditional land, leaving those long-disputed issues to Ottawa.

Leaders of the First Nations Summit and Union of BC Indian Chiefs are calling on the federal government to reject the Joint Review Panel for the Northern Gateway Pipeline Project (JRP) recommendation of a conditional approval of the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project.

"The Joint Review Panel decision to provide conditional approval does not alter or negate in any way, the federal government's clear legal responsibility to consult and accommodate First Nations, especially given the precedent provided by a long list of Supreme Court decisions," said Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit political executive. "The necessary consultation standard for any development project in BC, especially those with such a high potential for negative impacts, must be to seek the free, prior and informed consent of each and every First Nation whose Aboriginal title and rights will be impacted by a proposed project."

Environmental groups commented immediately. See links below.