The Coastal First Nations alliance is applauding the new agreement struck between the B.C. and federal governments to uphold the ban on heavy oil tankers docking in the region, regardless of whether a new pipeline gets built.
“Today is a good day,” said Chief Marilyn Slett of the Heiltsuk Nation, one of six in the alliance. “As our coastal communities, we are very pleased to hear that the North Coast will remain protected from the threat of an oil spill.”
Earlier in the day on Thursday (July 2), Premier David Eby and Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a memorandum of understanding that stipulates B.C. will not oppose a pipeline as long as the oil tanker ban remains and the federal government funds several major projects in the province.
B.C. would also receive royalty payments, and an environmental liability fund would be created if a pipeline is built. Alberta is set to announce its pipeline proposal on Thursday evening.
Coastal First Nations have long opposed any route to the sea that would require lifting a federal ban on oil tankers docking in the North Coast, a prohibition in place due to the dangerous waters in and around the Hecate Strait and the environmental and cultural destruction that an oil spill could cause in the region.
“We are happy that both governments have once again recognized what we have always known: that the Great Bear Sea is no place for oil tankers,” Slett said.
Haida Nation President Gaagwiis Jason Alsop said the alliance already expects a massive increase in liquefied natural gas shipping in the coming years and must protect the health of local waterways, which sustain communities and also add billions of dollars to the economy.
“We have to continue to maintain and work together as people and governments to look after the coast, but also continue to provide those benefits to the community in the economic and cultural balance that’s at play here,” he said.
While not directly involved in the negotiations that led to the new agreement, Alsop and Slett had travelled to Ottawa to lobby for the continuation of the tanker ban, and have maintained an open line of communication with the prime minister’s office.
Throughout the process, Alsop said the nations sought to find compromise and did not want to be seen as “no” people.
“We’re here to find ways we can work together in partnership and find political balance, but the risks to our homes were just too significant,” he said.
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