News Release - February 23, 2015

WINNIPEG – A public forum and panel discussion on TransCanada's proposed Energy East pipeline will take place tonight at Eckhardt Gramatté Hall at the University of Winnipeg. The event will feature expert panelists to answer questions from attendees, and will be moderated by reporter Mary Agnes Welch.

Co-hosted by the Wilderness Committee, Climate Change Connection, Manitoba Eco-Network, and the University of Winnipeg, the event aims to promote a comprehensive discussion about the economic benefits, risks, Indigenous perspective and climate implications of the proposed pipeline project.

“It's really important to give Manitobans information and various perspectives on the project,” said Curt Belton, Director of the Manitoba Eco-Network.

The panelists for the evening include Wab Kinew, Associate Vice-President of Indigenous Affairs at the University of Winnipeg; retired biophysicist Dennis LeNeveu; James Magnus-Johnston, Instructor in Political Studies and Economics at the Canadian Mennonite University; and Ian Mauro, Associate Professor in the University of Winnipeg’s Department of Geography.

“What does Energy East mean for our economy, but also for our climate?” said Curt Hull, Director of Climate Change Connection. “How will this project affect Manitobans?”

The event is being held while the National Energy Board is accepting applications for members of the public to participate in the upcoming review of the Energy East pipeline proposal. The application process to intervene or make comments ends on March 3, 2015.

“This project has huge implications,” said Eric Reder, Manitoba Campaign Director for the Wilderness Committee. “An informed, expert discussion is the start of good decision-making for people. That's what we are striving to provide at this panel.”

The forum takes place today at 7 p.m. at Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, on the 3rd floor of Centennial Hall at the University of Winnipeg. It is a free event, and is open to the public.

–30–

For more information, please contact:

Eric Reder, Manitoba Campaign Director, Wilderness Committee – (204) 997-8584

Curt Belton, Executive Director, Manitoba Eco-Network – (204) 805-0792

Curt Hull, Program Manager, Climate Change Connection – (204) 803-5436