Coastal First Nations remain 'absolute' in opposition to west coast pipeline

Following the signing of an agreement by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Coastal First Nations have reiterated their opposition to a new pipeline.

Carney and Smith claimed construction on the project — which would stretch across provincial lines to British Columbia's northwest coast — could begin as early as 2027.

"Today's announcement does nothing to increase the chances of a pipeline and oil tankers route to the North Coast ever becoming a reality," Coastal First Nations President and Heiltsuk Chief Marilyn Slett said. "No offer of equity or ownership will change our position, and no proponent is acceptable to us."

She warned governments and would-be proponents of Coastal First Nations' "absolute determination" to block any attempt to push a pipeline through their territory, noting that both Carney and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson have said that "no project, and no route, will proceed without the support of affected First Nations and the province in which it is proposed."

“As the legally recognized rights and title holders under Canadian and international law, we do not support a proposed oil pipeline and tankers route to the North Coast of BC,." Slett continued, "and we, along with the Lax Kw’alaams Band and the province of BC, have called on the federal government to uphold the North Coast Oil Tanker Moratorium Act in its entirety, with no exceptions or carve outs."

Her sentiments were shared by Premier David Eby, who made it clear that his government's position on the tanker ban had also not changed.

"As a country, it's time to stop rewarding bad behaviour," he said. "It cannot be the case that the projects that get prioritized in Canada are those where a Premier threatens to leave the country ... We must work together across federal-provincial lines to build this nation and to strengthen it. I know the Prime Minister believes we can work better in partnership as well."