Mattawa mayor Dean Backer says his town is not under a gag order when it comes to commenting on Trans Canada projects. Bloomberg news claims the town agreed not to comment on Trans Canada activities in return for $30,000 for a rescue truck. Trans Canada is building a controversial oil pipeline and the route passes close to Mattawa. But Backer says despite the Trans Canada money, the town will be at the National Energy Board hearing discussing the proposed pipeline. Backer says the deal for the rescue truck started three years ago before the pipeline was proposed.
