According to the Coastal First Nations, implications that Bill C-48’s passing will negatively impact jobs are unfounded.
Bill C-48, the focus of Senate Committee hearings being held in Prince Rupert today, aims to ban most oil tanker traffic on the northcoast.
If passed, the Bill would bing with it the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, which would prohibit tankers carrying more than 12,500 tons of crude oil.
Opponents of the Bill say it will limit job opportunities for those in the oil shipping industry.
But the CFN says the Act will actually help preserve the jobs of those who rely on healthy northern ecosystems.
They also say that the Act will simply put an informal moratorium that has existed sinced the 70s in to law.
Senators on the Transport Committee are holding hearings in Prince Rupert today and Terrace tomorrow relating to the bill.
