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Douglas Channel Watch shows at Christy Clark campaign stop in Kitimat

Members of Douglas Channel Watch turned out to Christy Clark's campaign stop in Kitimat to continue their protest against oil pipelines.

A big issue missing from Christy Clark’s speech to supporters in Kitimat on Tuesday was the Enbridge Northern Gateway Proposal, says Kitimat-based activist Murray Minchin.

Minchin is among many in a group called the Douglas Channel Watch who seek to hold Enbridge to the fire when it comes to their proposed bitumen and condensate pipeline.

While Clark addressed people from a lectern at Kitimat’s viewpoint, Minchin and a handful of others held up signs opposed to the Northern Gateway project.

“My main concern is Enbridge’s Northern Gateway proposal and there was not even a hint of where she stands on that one,” said Minchin. “That’s a huge red flag for me. When she’s not talking on an issue she’s hiding from it.”

Clark was earlier telling reporters that she and the Liberals have a firm five conditions before any oil pipeline could be built, but Minchin isn’t assured by those statements.

“Politicians, especially on the campaign trail can waffle, and that line can move in a heartbeat,” he said, adding he’s unsure where the party will be after the election.

Clark’s conditions cover things such as environmental protection, aboriginal consultation and fair revenue sharing.

Meanwhile he takes issue with so much attention on natural gas development while the Enbridge proposal could potentially harm the Kitimat, Skeena and Fraser rivers, he said.

“She is painting a rosy picture projections for natural gas sales with plants that haven’t been built yet,” he said.

We asked who the target of the Watch’s protest was on Tuesday, and he said it was just to keep the topic alive in people’s minds.

“A gentle reminder from the friendly Douglas Channel Watch of Kitimat, B.C.,” he said.