VANCOUVER – The Gitga’at (GIT-gat) First Nation in British Columbia has filed a court challenge to a federal review panel recommendation in favour of the Northern Gateway pipeline.

The latest request for a judicial review by the Federal Court of Appeal brings to 10 the number of applications filed in Vancouver.

The Gitga’at say the federal government cannot go ahead with the project proposed by Calgary-based Enbridge (TSX:ENB) because the joint review panel erred in law by recommending approval.

The small community which centres around Hartley Bay on the north coast of British Columbia, says their way of life would be under severe threat from the bitumen-laden tankers that would navigate Douglas Channel on their doorstep.

The joint review panel issued a report in December recommending approval of the 1,200-kilometre pipeline from the Edmonton area to a tanker port in Kitimat, B.C.

The Haisla (Hyzlah) Nation, the Gitxaala (GHEET’-a-khat’-la) and several environmental groups have also filed applications for a judicial review of that decision.