Coastal First Nations (CFN) are rejecting Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s announcement of a renewed push for an oil pipeline to B.C.’s northwest coast, calling it a clear violation of long-standing opposition to crude oil tankers in Indigenous coastal territories.
In a strong statement issued Monday, Marilyn Slett, President of the Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative and elected Chief of the Heiltsuk Nation, reaffirmed that there is no support from First Nations on the North and Central Coast or Haida Gwaii for any pipeline project that would bring crude oil tankers into their waters.
“For over 50 years, our communities have fought to keep oil tankers out of our coastal territories,” said Chief Slett, referencing years of public consultation and opposition, including the failed Northern Gateway project and the successful passage of Bill C-48 in 2019—the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act.
“Premier Smith’s continued talk of oil pipelines and tankers is not nation-building,” she added. “It threatens the goodwill First Nations have built with governments and industry on more realistic and sustainable projects.”
Coastal First Nations pointed to their 25-year track record of building a sustainable coastal economy, creating thousands of jobs and hundreds of businesses that protect the natural capital of the region.
B.C. Premier David Eby echoed their stance, saying oil tankers in these waters remain a “red line” and that the Alberta proposal is not a real project. He urged Premier Smith to focus on her own jurisdiction.
CFN says it supports major infrastructure projects built in true partnership with Indigenous Nations—those that grow natural capital, protect the environment, and support long-term economic resilience for all Canadians.
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