The Haida Nation has firmly opposed the approval of the Ksi Lisims LNG project by Canada and British Columbia, citing significant environmental, social, and cultural concerns. The project will bring added liquefied natural gas tanker traffic through Haida Gwaii, which the Haida say will have severe consequences for their waters and wildlife. The concerns include the impacts on fishing and tourism, increased ship strikes, and noise pollution affecting marine mammals. The Haida are also alarmed by the potential for environmental emergencies, such as spills or explosions, caused by increased tanker traffic.
The Haida Nation holds Aboriginal title to Haida Gwaii, including its marine territory, but has not agreed to co-management of projects like the LNG project. Despite these challenges, the Haida continue to push for a government-to-government approach to marine territory governance and have called for more stringent emergency response measures, such as the continued presence of emergency tow vessels to handle accidents. The Haida also continue to advocate for maintaining the ban on oil tankers along the North Coast under the North Coast Oil Tanker Moratorium Act.
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