Joint statement released by the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) on behalf of the Cross Border Organizing Working Group of the Line 5 Coalition

Ottawa, Canada — On May 15, Indigenous leaders and International groups will deliver a letter signed by nearly 300 groups and over 6,000 individuals, to Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau and Canadian Ministers calling for Canada to withdraw its invocation of the 1977 pipeline treaty and shut down Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline. Organizers and leaders will meet outside the parliament building for a photo opportunity and speeches following the delivery at a private meeting with parliament members.

The Line 5 pipeline was originally built in 1953, and continues to operate 20 years past its engineered lifespan, transporting crude oil each day through the heart of the Great Lakes, which are a drinking source to over 40 million people and hold 84 percent of North America’s surface freshwater. Canada has formally invoked the 1977 Pipeline Treaty twice to keep the 70 year old Line 5 operating.

LETTER DELIVERY TO SHUT DOWN THE LINE 5 PIPELINE

WHEN: Monday, May 15, 10:30 am Eastern Time - Speeches and Photo Opportunity

WHERE: Centennial Flame, Canadian Parliament, Ottawa, Canada

WHO: Indigenous leaders, concerned citizens, and international environmental groups. This event is organized by the Cross Border Organizing Working Group of the Line 5 Coalition - a group comprised of individuals concerned about the Great Lakes who reside across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario, and Québec as well as groups across North America concerned about water and the climate, and want to see the Line 5 pipeline permanently decommissioned.

HOW: This is a public event, no registration is required. If you would like more background information please email the media contacts listed above.