Coastal First Nations Reaffirm Oil Tanker Opposition After Meeting with Prime Minister

Marilyn Slett, President of the Coastal First Nations–Great Bear Initiative and elected Chief of the Heiltsuk Nation, has issued a statement following a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Prince Rupert with leaders from Coastal First Nations, Lax Kw’alaams, and the Haisla Nation.

Slett says the meeting was productive and reaffirmed that oil tankers are not part of First Nations’ vision for the Central and North Coast and Haida Gwaii. She says the Nations remain committed to upholding Bill C-48, the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act.

She says the Prime Minister confirmed the federal government will work with First Nations and seek their consent on proposed projects, in line with Canada’s legal obligations and commitments to UNDRIP.

Slett added that First Nations are prepared to support major projects built in partnership with Indigenous peoples that protect the environment and benefit British Columbians, noting Northwest B.C. already represents about 40 per cent of federally announced, shovel-ready projects.

For full details on the press release click the link below

https://coastalfirstnations.ca/resources/coastal-first-nations-leaders-meet-with-prime-minister-carney-remain-opposed-to-oil-tankers/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPTp31leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeeQ3TNywX_SOJPyW7LXtoY3otbGwSwLSB8HJ-0C6OXyzKTOaCX81FGVUHpp8_aem_rgN_jzjWancpGfsodS6g9Q