Following the recent leak of information about the communication strategy developed by TransCanada firm Edelman, members of Anonymous and STOP pipeline Pétroliques committees say they are not really surprised, but are shocked, to see how TransCanada is willing to do anything to accept the project. “We would have much preferred a frank and open public debate rather than this insidious war,” says Anne-Celine Guyon, spokesman for the Grand STOP pipeline Quebec committees, about the intentions of the developer to discredit the groups opposing the project.
The pipeline STOP committees have noticed that these tactics were already applied: Philippe Cannon frequently has qualified professional opponents during media interviews. The information revealed this week indicate that the multinational could pay people to praise the merits of the project, while the STOP pipeline committees and anonymous Pétroliques are trained citizens who volunteer. Regarding the idea of investing in a university to improve its image, the project is already on the table – ISMER Rimouski, where TransCanada would provide funding for a research chair. Major concerns were raised about the independence of researchers in such a context of funding. It will be recalled that the pipeline company made geophysics in critical habitat for beluga in April, did not meet a sufficient protection zone, and was without any permissions. “It’s rather pathetic as an attempt by the company and we hope that the University of Rimouski will not let up in the game,” commented Simon Côté, spokesman for the STOP PIPELINE Kamouraska committee. Now we know that TransCanada intends to pay people to talk about it in the media, how could people believe her opinion letter published in newspapers as a citizen positive about the project? TransCanada will probably change its strategies, but citizens’ committees will continue constantly to inform the public of the huge risks involved in this project.
For more information: www.stopoleoduc.org/