UPDATE: Nathan Cullen's cross-examination of Enbridge officials postponed at least until tomorrow.
Nathan Cullen, NDP MP Skeena - Bulkley Valley is set to question Enbridge officials on their ability to deal with a bitumen spill onto the land and rivers of northern British Columbia.
“These hearings are a chance for Enbridge to finally answer some of the tough questions people in the Northwest are demanding answers to,” said Cullen.
“I’ll be looking for specifics and direct answers as to precisely how Enbridge plans to effectively deal with a raw bitumen spill onto the land or in our rivers.
“My constituents want to know exactly what preventative and spill capacity measures Enbridge is offering.
"We want proof, not promises.”
Cullen, a former national environment critic, will focus on risk assessment and spill management during his questions. He is expecting to take about one hour and will follow provincial cross-examination.
The hearings are broadcast at http://www.meetview.com/neb/. Follow the link for the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project Joint Review Panel.
Cullen is also slated to question witnesses at the final set of technical hearings in Prince Rupert next month. Sessions there will focus on aboriginal rights and interests, environmental and socio-economic effects from the marine terminal and shipping, marine safety and accident response, and public and community consultation.
Final arguments will be presented to the panel next spring, which must make a recommendation by the end of 2013. Ottawa is set to make a decision within six months of the panel's review.