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 contains several assertions regarding the potential for civil unrest related to pipeline projects, the implications of the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), and the historical context of Canadian-Chinese relations.

1. Pipeline Protests and Civil Unrest: There is a history of protests and civil disobedience in Canada concerning pipeline projects, particularly those affecting Indigenous lands. For example, the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion has faced significant opposition from various First Nations and environmental groups, leading to concerns about potential civil unrest if the project proceeds without addressing these concerns (source-5).

2. FIPA and Legal Liabilities: The FIPA, ratified by the Harper government in 2014, indeed exposes Canada to potential lawsuits from Chinese corporations if Canadian regulations are perceived to hinder their investments. Critics argue that this agreement could limit Canada's ability to regulate in the public interest, particularly regarding environmental protections and Indigenous rights (source-2, source-6).

3. Historical Context: Diplomatic relations between Canada and China have been complex and often contentious, particularly in recent years. Canada has criticized China on various human rights issues, which has contributed to a cooling of public sentiment towards China (source-1).

4. Public Sentiment: Public opinion in Canada regarding China has shifted significantly, with many Canadians viewing China as a major foreign threat. This sentiment is reflected in various polls indicating a growing wariness of Chinese influence in Canada (source-1).

Analysis

The claim presents a mix of factual statements and hyperbolic language. The assertion that "this nutjob will start a civil war" is an extreme characterization that lacks direct evidence. While there is a history of protests and civil disobedience regarding pipeline projects, equating this with the potential for civil war is an exaggeration.

The reference to FIPA and its implications is grounded in factual information. The agreement does indeed allow for Chinese corporations to sue the Canadian government, which has raised concerns among critics about its long-term implications for Canadian sovereignty and environmental regulations (source-4). The claim that the Harper government "screwed up" negotiations is supported by various analyses that describe the deal as heavily skewed in favor of China (source-2, source-7).

The assertion that "Canadians began to clue-up on the horrendous track record of pipeline leaks" is also valid, as public awareness and concern over environmental issues related to pipelines have increased significantly in recent years (source-5).

Conclusion

The claim is Partially True. While it accurately highlights the contentious nature of pipeline projects and the implications of the FIPA agreement, it employs hyperbolic language that detracts from the seriousness of the issues at hand. The potential for civil unrest exists but is not as dire as suggested. The concerns regarding FIPA and its implications for Canadian sovereignty and environmental regulations are legitimate and supported by credible sources.

Sources

1. Canada–China relations
2. Harper sneaks through Canada-China FIPA, locks Canada in for 31 years
3. Did Canada buy an oil pipeline in fear of being sued by ...
4. FIPA agreement with China: What's really in it for Canada?
5. Fact Check: This nutjob will start a civil war if he tries to ram ...
6. Trudeau may have bought Trans Mountain pipeline to avoid lawsuit from ...
7. Harper Government Ratifies Controversial Canada-China ...