Fact Check: This nutjob will start a civil war if he tries to ram through this pipeline. The road less travelled is less travelled for a reason. I stand united with our First Nations on this. What he isn't telling you is that Stephen Harper's FIPA exposed us to liabilities of being sued by China, because they had already given the Harper govertment money, and the Harper government cashed the cheque, and from that point, they tried everything to force it through, but they screwed-up it up in every imaginable way possible. It didn't help them when Canadians began to clue-up on the horrendous track record of pipeline leaks for those two companies. Anyone that believes Pierresite's idea of taking bitumen (the powdered milk of fossil fuels) and using the nothwithstanding clause to ram it through will have blood on their hands.

Fact Check: "This nutjob will start a civil war if he tries to ram through this pipeline..."

What We Know

The claim revolves around the controversial Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), which was ratified under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and came into effect on October 1, 2014. This agreement allows Chinese investors to sue the Canadian government if they believe their investments are being harmed by Canadian laws or regulations, a provision that has raised concerns about its implications for Canadian sovereignty and environmental regulations (Canada-China Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments, Harper sneaks through Canada-China FIPA, locks Canada in for 31 years).

The statement also references the potential for civil unrest related to pipeline projects, particularly in the context of First Nations' opposition to such developments. Historically, pipeline projects in Canada have faced significant opposition from Indigenous groups, who argue that these projects threaten their land and rights (Fact Check: This nutjob will start a civil war if he tries to ram ...).

Analysis

The claim suggests that the actions of the current political leadership could lead to civil unrest, particularly if they attempt to push through controversial pipeline projects despite opposition from First Nations. This assertion is grounded in historical context, as previous pipeline projects have indeed sparked protests and civil disobedience, notably the opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline in the U.S. and the Wet'suwet'en protests in Canada.

The reference to the FIPA highlights a legitimate concern among critics that the agreement could limit Canada's ability to regulate environmental protections and could expose the government to lawsuits from Chinese corporations. Critics argue that the agreement was negotiated in a manner that favored Chinese interests over Canadian sovereignty, as it allows for investor-state dispute settlements that could undermine public policy (FIPA agreement with China: What's really in it for Canada?, Harper Government Ratifies Controversial Canada-China ...).

However, the claim's language is highly charged, using terms like "nutjob" and "blood on their hands," which could detract from the seriousness of the environmental and social issues at stake. While the potential for civil unrest exists, it is not guaranteed and would depend on various factors, including public sentiment and government responses.

Conclusion

The claim is Partially True. While it accurately reflects the potential for civil unrest related to pipeline projects and highlights legitimate concerns regarding the Canada-China FIPA, the inflammatory language used may exaggerate the immediacy of the threat. The historical context of pipeline protests and the implications of the FIPA are valid points, but the assertion that civil war is imminent is speculative and lacks concrete evidence.

Sources

1. Canada-China Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments
2. Harper sneaks through Canada-China FIPA, locks Canada in for 31 years
3. Fact Check: This nutjob will start a civil war if he tries to ram ...
4. FIPA agreement with China: What's really in it for Canada?
5. Harper Government Ratifies Controversial Canada-China ...
6. Don't fear the FIPA - Macleans.ca
7. Deconstructing FIPA: Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
8. China Trade Deal a '31-Year Ball and Chain' on Canada