Protest spills into Vernon

The national pipeline discussion spilled over into Vernon last night with dozens of protesters rallying in front of Mel Arnold's downtown constituency office. 

"Our federal government has been underhanded, said Gail Pifer who co-organized the protest. "They have gone behind our backs to purchase this pipeline without giving the indigenous people their rights."

The protesters were on hand in hopes of gaining the Conservative Member of Parliament's support in their opposition to the Liberal government's plans to purchase the Tans-Mountain pipeline from Kinder Morgan for $4.5 billion. 

"I would like the federal government to reconsider," said Bill Darnell member of Vernon's climate action team.

"I would like my member of parliament to raise it in the house that he is opposed to this really poor spending of our wealth as taxpayers."

The sale is not finalized, however, Finance Minister Bill Morneau did say the federal government does not plan to be a long-term owner and is in negotiations with interested investors, including Indigenous communities, pension funds and the Alberta government.

"Through the actions of this government, I really believe they will do whatever they want regardless of what the people want, and that is not a democracy," said protester Keli Westgate, who says she is against the 'now Canadian' owned Kinder Morgan pipeline. "The shock is because Kinder Morgan couldn't find anybody else to buy this pipeline, so why on earth would the Canadian taxpayers want to be on the hook for something that else wanted?"

Kinder Morgan will go ahead with its original plan to twin the pipeline this summer while the sale is finalized, which likely won't happen until August.

The federal government has long been in favour of a pipeline, both while the Conservatives held power and now as the Liberals hold power.   

However, the provinces have not been able to agree. 

B.C.'s premier, John Horgan has vowed to fight the project, saying it doesn't matter who owns the project, it remains risky. 

The protests in Vernon we in conjunction with a national day of action where protestors gathered at constituency offices across the country.   

—with files from the Canadian Press