An alliance of First Nations has reiterated its opposition to an Alberta bitumen pipeline to B.C.’s northern coast in a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Following the sit-down meeting in Prince Rupert this morning (Jan. 13), leaders of the Coastal First Nations – Great Bear Initiative held a press conference at the Crest Hotel Convention Centre to summarize the face-to-face discussion.
President of the Coastal First Nations, Marilyn Slett, said that Carney told the alliance that the federal government will seek their free, prior, and informed consent regarding any proposed projects in the coastal nations’ territories. She also said that both parties will co-develop a transparent process moving forward.
“We’re looking forward to partnering with the federal government to help facilitate projects in our territories that support sustainable economic development and marine protection,” she said.
“We also made our positions very clear and reiterated those positions around our stance regarding the oil pipeline, and that has not changed.”
Slett went on to mention that it would only take one oil spill to destroy the coastal nations’ way of life, and the alliance made it clear to Carney that it would always support the oil tanker moratorium, while calling on him to support it as well.
Coastal First Nations’ vice president, Gaagwiis (Jason Alsop), also spoke about the meeting and highlighted existing jobs and project proposals in Prince Rupert and northern B.C. that have been identified by the federal government. He said these nation-building priorities would have a significant impact on shipping traffic.
“We need to make sure that we’re prepared for that,” Alsop said.
“The cumulative effect, coastal erosion, impacts on species and habitat, our communities, and our culture are all factored into how we’re analyzing this and investing and preparing for that.”
When asked if there would ever be a scenario in which the Coastal First Nations would accept an offer from the federal government to stand down on its opposition against a pipeline, Alsop said that their position remains “loud and clear.”
“Our interest isn’t about money in this situation—it’s about the responsibility of looking after our territories and nurturing the sustainable economies that we currently live in,” he said.
Alsop added that the meeting was a good step in recognizing that this is a “reconciliation journey” rather than a “transactional relationship.”
Slett went on to add that the coastal nations will continue to employ every tool in their toolbox to keep the tanker ban in place and prevent any pipeline from being built.
While Carney was not in attendance for the press conference, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated that the prime minister committed to renewing funding for the Oceans Protection Plan Reconciliation Framework Agreement in 2026-27 and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to conserving 30 per cent of Canada’s land and waters by 2030.
“Their discussions focused on how the federal government and the Coastal First Nations can work in partnership to strengthen marine conservation and ocean protection, and to build a strong and sustainable economy,” the PMO stated.
Carney now heads off to China until Jan. 17, marking the first visit to China for a Canadian prime minister in almost a decade.