More bands start legal action against Husky Energy following 2016 oil spill
Three new bands are starting to seek legal action against the energy company responsible for the 2016 oil spill into the North Saskatchewan River.
The James Smith Cree Nation and the Cumberland House Cree Nation each filed lawsuits on July 21; it turns out, three additional bands filed paperwork just days before for the same reason.
Little Pine, Sweetgrass, and Red Pheasant Cree Nation jointly filed legal paperwork arguing Husky Energy was negligent in both the maintenance of the pipeline and in clean-up efforts following the spill.
On July 20, 2016, a pipeline ruptured, spilling some 225,000 liters of oil and diluent into the North Saskatchewan River. In response, several cities and reserves were forced to implement water restrictions and limit access to the river.