B.C.s Coastal First Nations ready to push back against expected fed pipeline announcement

Coastal First Nations are preparing to protest an anticipated pipeline announcement from Alberta and the federal government, asserting their strong opposition to the project and the lifting of a ban on oil tankers off B. C. ’s North Coast. President Marilyn Slett emphasized their commitment to halting the pipeline, declaring, “We will never allow oil tankers on our coast. ” Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that details of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) would be revealed on November 27, which could potentially alter the moratorium on oil tanker traffic.

Minister Tim Hodgson has been meeting with Liberal MPs from B. C. to secure support for the pipeline, although some MPs have publicly opposed it. Slett criticized the federal government for its lack of communication, describing it as “not honourable” and contrary to legal obligations toward Indigenous peoples. The Coastal First Nations view the MOU as politically motivated and detrimental to national unity.

They advocate for collaborative, sustainable initiatives with the federal government that respect Indigenous rights. With economic challenges facing Canada, they stress the importance of developing projects that genuinely benefit all parties involved.