Chippewas must pay energy giant's legal bills in lost court battle

The Supreme Court of Canada has ordered the Chippewas of the Thames, a community of 3,000, to pay energy giant Enbridge's legal fees after an unsuccessful attempt by the First Nation to stop the company's ambitions on its controversial Line 9 pipeline.

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The pipeline, built 40 years ago,runs through Chippewas territory,and this week's top court decision allows the company to not only reverse the flow of heavy crude, but also increase capacity along Line 9.

The Chippewasbelieve the aging pipeline could rupture and cause an oil spillthatwould create an environmental catastrophe.

"The ruling said thatEnbridge wins court costs, so that means we have to pay them," said MyeengunHenry, newly electedChippewasof the Thames First Nation chief.

TheChippewas' legal bills total$600,000, Henry said.

Enbridgehas not indicated what its costs will be, said spokesperson Suzanne Wilton, noting in a statement that it is still reviewing the decision.

"There has been no determination by the court regarding fees, which would require an application where none has been made,"Wilton said.

Relationship building

Following the Supreme Court's decision, Enbridgesaid it was committed to building a strongrelationship with the First Nation.

That may be difficult if the financial burden of the energy giant's legal bills are too steep for the Chippewasof the Thames.

"It's clear thatEnbridgewants to develop a stronger relationship withChippewasof the Thames," said Trevord McLeod, director of the Natural Resources Centre at the Canada West Foundation.

"But it looks like it's going to be a rough road."

The Chippewashave said they will continue to fight against the pipeline, which could include acts of civil disobedience.