An aboriginal owned and operated business in Hazelton has been a target for vandals lately because it is doing work for the LNG industry.
Geel Enterprises recently started a subcontract under the Gitxsan Development Corporation to do preliminary groundwork for the proposed TransCanada pipeline on the territory. This work includes building helicopter and drill pads.
The Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project is a 900 km proposed pipeline that would transport natural gas from near Hudson’s Hope to the proposed Pacific Northwest LNG facility, if it gets the green light.
Catherine Blackstock, hereditary chief and president of Geel Enterprises, said her employees are being harassed for the work they are doing. In an email, she said an employee’s truck was vandalized as someone scratched ‘NO LNG’ into it. On another occasion, an employee was wearing a company jacket and was razzed for working for Geel. Also, Blackstock said a provincial employee had called with information she had received saying Geel is trespassing and it is against Gitxsan law to trespass on another territory. He told the employee people are going to take action and even threatened to beat up one employee.
“Under Gitxsan Development Corporation we ensure that the house is informed and approve of any work on the site. In fact, a house member is also present when we are doing the work.”
“Opinions are OK but breaking the law is not,” Blackstock added.
The Hazelton RCMP are investing.