Union of BC Indian Chiefs demands abandonment of West Coast pipeline plans

In an open letter to the Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs demanded the government “immediately halt efforts to advance the proposed West Coast Oil Pipeline” while pointing to “climate disasters."

"From catastrophic wildfires to destructive floods and rising seas, the impacts of climate change are already being felt across this country. Every new fossil fuel project deepens that crisis," reads the letter.

The letter goes on to accuse the federal and Alberta governments of not consulting with First Nations in good faith, saying, “they have already developed a project concept and corridor, submitted the proposal, named prospective development partners, established an October 1 target, and begun publicly promoting the project’s economic case, adding that “Consultation cannot be meaningful if First Nations are invited only to discuss how a predetermined project will proceed.”

In July, The Prime Minsiter and Alberta Premier announced their intent to proceed with a new West Coast oil pipeline to the Port of Delta. At the time, BC Premier David Eby stated that he would not use legal tools to try and obstruct the project, while accepting billions in new funding from Ottawa.

UPDATED: Alberta unveils southern route, private partnership for BC pipeline

Carney vowed to “immediately” refer the proposal to the Major Projects Office.

Sitka MediaJarryd Jäger

BC’s multibillion-dollar MOU with Ottawa upholds tanker ban, secures benefits if new pipeline built

Eby made it clear that regardless of what Ottawa or Alberta say, BC’s position on a pipeline to the North Coast will not change.

Sitka MediaJarryd Jäger

Last week, the federal government began consultations on designating a new West Coast pipeline as in the "national interest."

Feds inch toward declaring new oil pipeline in ‘national interest’

Public has until September 18 to submit feedback

Sitka MediaSitka Media