On the occasion of the visit to Montreal (Mohawk Territory) of the Expert Panel mandated to modernize the National Energy Board (NEB), the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) wishes to reiterate that First Nations in Quebec firmly opposed TransCanada's Energy East pipeline by way of resolution in June 2016.

"When First Nations say no, it's no, period", said the Chief of the AFNQL, Ghislain Picard, adding that "First Nations invite our allies, especially Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre and leaders of environmental groups to join the circle in the fight against Energy East".

"One hundred and twenty-two First Nations in Canada and United States, including many in Quebec, have said no to Energy East and have committed, by signing the Treaty Alliance Against Tar Sands Expansion, to stopping the Kinder Morgan, Line 3, and Keystone XL tar sands pipelines, as well as tar sands by rail transport projects such as the Belledune project" added the Chief of Ekuanitshit, Jean-Charles Piétacho, the Nation Innue's spokesperson on fossil fuels.

The AFNQL resolution dated June 15, 2016 also demands a complete overhaul of the Energy East project review process. The federal government, on the other hand, announced that the review of the Energy East project by the NEB would follow its course, with a few minor adjustments, and would not be affected by the NEB "modernization".

"The federal government recognizes that the NEB needs to be reformed but in the meantime, it allows it to continue the Energy East review. It's completely absurd", concluded AFNQL Chief Ghislain Picard.