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Indigenous Caucus of the IAMC-TMX Responds to Trans Mountain Expansion Project Approval

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CALGARY, AB, May 1, 2024 – Following the Canada Energy Regulator’s approval of the final pipeline leave to open (LTO) application for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP), the Indigenous Caucus of the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC-TMX) calls for heightened environmental vigilance and cooperative action.

The completion of the TMX pipeline marks not an end, but a beginning. The operation phase brings a critical need for ongoing evaluation to fully understand the impacts of this project. Our commitment as the Indigenous Caucus is to ensure that these evaluations are thorough, transparent, and informed by traditional knowledge and scientific data.

“As the TMX pipeline nears completion, it is crucial that we implement rigorous follow-up monitoring to understand the true impacts of the pipeline and ensure that any potential negative effects are swiftly addressed and mitigated,” stated Raymond Cardinal, Indigenous Chair of the IAMC-TMX.

Once the TMX is completed, there will a significant increase in oil tanker traffic in the waters of the Salish Sea, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the western approach to the Straitwaters—from one tanker per week to seven per week.

“We stand at a pivotal moment where collaboration and diligence are paramount,” said Trina Sxwithul’txw, the Chair of the Marine Shipping Subcommittee of the IAMC-TMX. “Our marine environment, a vital resource for our communities and what makes us whole as a people, demands our focused protection as tanker traffic increases. We call on all parties involved—governmental bodies, industry stakeholders, and the communities affected—to continue to find common ground in safeguarding our shared environment.”

The Indigenous Caucus of the IAMC-TMX will continue to work diligently with federal regulators and all other parties to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and to uphold the commitments made to the Indigenous communities impacted by the TMX project.

About IAMC-TMX:

The Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee for the Trans Mountain Expansion (IAMC-TMX) was established following the Prime Minister’s announcement supporting the co-development of a monitoring committee when the TMX project was approved. Comprising representatives from Indigenous communities affected by the pipeline, the Canada Energy Regulator, and other government departments, the IAMC-TMX plays a crucial role in overseeing the safety and

environmental protection of the Trans Mountain Pipeline system. This vital work will continue for the entire life of the pipeline, until it is eventually decommissioned, ensuring ongoing vigilance and responsiveness to environmental and community needs.

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Indigenous Advisory Monitoring Committee (IAMC): Terms of Reference (ToR) update In December 2025, the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee working on the Trans Mountain Pipeline Project approved an administrative update to its Terms of Reference (ToR). This update clarified language and reflected the Committee’s transition from construction into operations, without changing the Committee’s mandate or core governance structure. As the Trans Mountain Expansion moves fully into the operations phase, the IAMC‑TMX recognizes that this shift represents a significant change in focus and priorities. A more comprehensive review and update of the Terms of Reference is planned, including renewed engagement with Indigenous communities, to ensure the ToR continues to reflect the realities of operations‑phase oversight. This broader ToR update is planned for the new fiscal year, with community engagement forming a key part of that process. www.iamc.ca/iamc-tmx-terms-of-reference-amended-december-2025/

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Indigenous Monitoring Reports: Transparency in Action Technical reports from joint inspections and Indigenous-led inspections document observations and any compliance actions taken by regulators and support transparent oversight with Indigenous participation. These reports are available as the result of the work of the Indigenous Advisory Monitoring Committee (IAMC) which brings Indigenous leaders and federal partners together to advise regulators and ensure meaningful Indigenous oversight across all stages of the project. #IAMC #Transparency #Compliance #PublicReporting

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Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC): Socioeconomic Subcommittee (SESC) The Socioeconomic Subcommittee (SESC) collaborates to improve how socioeconomic effects are identified, tracked, and managed; advising government and engaging Trans Mountain on Indigenous‑focused indicators. SESC is one of four subcommittees created by the IAMC-TMX to support their work on the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion. The Committee brings Indigenous leaders and federal partners together to advise regulators and ensure meaningful Indigenous oversight across all stages of the project. #IAMC #SESC #Socioeconomic #CommunityWellbeing #UNDRIP www.iamc.ca/socioeconomic-subcommittee/

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Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC): Emergency Management Subcommittee (EMSC) The Emergency Management Subcommittee (EMSC) focuses on Indigenous inclusion in emergency planning and preparedness, supporting training, exercises, and “all hazards” readiness with community partners. EMSC is one of four subcommittees created by the IAMC-TMX to support their work on the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion. The Committee brings Indigenous leaders and federal partners together to advise regulators and ensure meaningful Indigenous oversight across all stages of the project. www.iamc.ca/emergency-management/ #IAMC #EMSC #EmergencyManagement #Preparedness #Community

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Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC): Marine Shipping Subcommittee (MSSC) The Marine Shipping Subcommittee (MSSC) works with coastal communities on stewardship, spill response inclusion, and building capacity for Indigenous‑led monitoring on the water. MSSC is one of four subcommittees created by the IAMC-TMX to support their work on the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion. The Committee brings Indigenous leaders and federal partners together to advise regulators and ensure meaningful Indigenous oversight across all stages of the project. www.iamc.ca/marine-shipping-subcommittee/ #IAMC #MSSC #MarineStewardship #SpillResponse #CoastalCommunities

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Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC): Indigenous Monitoring Subcommittee (IMSC) The Indigenous Monitoring Subcommittee (IMSC) advances “boots on the ground” oversight, where Indigenous knowledge guides inspections, community involvement, and environmental protection throughout the Trans Mountain pipeline lifecycle. IMSC is one of four subcommittees created by the IAMC-TMX to support their work on the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion. The Committee brings Indigenous leaders and federal partners together to advise regulators and ensure meaningful Indigenous oversight across all stages of the project. #IAMC #IMSC #IndigenousMonitoring #EnvironmentalProtection Read more: www.iamc.ca/im-program/

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Now that the Trans Mountain Expansion pipeline is operating, what’s changed for the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC-TMX)? With more oil moving through the system, the stakes have gone up, and IAMC-TMX’s role is more important than ever. Before the expansion, the amount of oil running from Edmonton, AB to the shipping terminals in Burnaby, BC was enough to fill roughly one oil tanker each week. The extra capacity created by the expansion resulted in a significant jump, increasing marine traffic to several tankers per week through coastal waters. For as long as the pipeline exists, including through operations and eventual decommissioning, the IAMC‑TMX provides a forum to ensure Indigenous voices remain part of oversight as conditions, risks, and priorities evolve. www.iamc.ca/indigenous-caucus-of-the-iamc-tmx-responds-to-trans-mountain-expansion-project-approval/ #IAMC #TMX #Operations #MarineShipping

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Why were Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees (IAMC) created? IAMCs were created to increase Indigenous participation and trust in the oversight of large energy projects. The model was co‑developed alongside the TMX project approvals and during the construction and early operations of the Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Program. It has been funded over multiple federal budgets to sustain operations across the project lifecycle. Read Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Evaluation on IAMCs here: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/sites/nrcan/files/pdf/IAMC_EN.pdf #IAMC #Policy #Oversight #Reconciliation

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Indigenous Monitoring and IAMCs: How it Works Indigenous Monitors work alongside the Canada Energy Regulator and other federal partners to conduct inspections, participate in emergency exercises, and undertake compliance verification. They bring Indigenous knowledge to on-the-ground oversight. The work of Indigenous monitors is supported by the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC) which brings Indigenous leaders and federal partners together to advise regulators and ensure meaningful Indigenous oversight across all stages of major energy projects. Built on mutual respect and shared responsibility, IAMCs work collaboratively to protect environmental and Indigenous interests. Learn more: www.iamc.ca/im-program/ #IAMC #IndigenousMonitoring #CER #Stewardship

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