B.C. Premier David Eby joined forces with representatives from various First Nations of B.C.’s northern coast on Wednesday to endorse and formally endorse a plea urging Ottawa to maintain a ban on oil tankers in the northern waters of the province.
The North Coast Protection Declaration represents the most recent effort by B.C. to prompt the federal government to safeguard the environment and the self-governance of First Nations, as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith advocates for a new private-sector pipeline to transport crude oil to the northern B.C. coast for export to Asia.
The declaration highlights the potential catastrophic consequences of any crude oil spill in the region, emphasizing the destruction of billions of dollars in economic activities along the coast and the long-term ecological damage it would cause.
Eby strongly opposed the idea of lifting the ban, stating that it is illogical. Local voices have consistently stressed the importance of preserving the ecological integrity of the area.
Marilyn Slett, the president of the Coastal First Nations and the elected chief councillor for Heiltsuk First Nation, emphasized the significance of maintaining a healthy and thriving ocean ecosystem that sustains their traditional way of life.
Eby, Slett, and several other leaders from coastal First Nations collectively signed the declaration during the 10th B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering in Vancouver.
The declaration emphasizes the interconnectedness of the North Coast’s environment and economic activities, underscoring the substantial economic contributions that support numerous livelihoods in fisheries, tourism, renewable energy, and stewardship.
Since 1985, there has been a voluntary exclusion zone in the coastal area, and in 2019, the federal government implemented the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, prohibiting oil tankers carrying more than 12,500 metric tons of crude oil or persistent oil from operating in certain areas of B.C.’s northern waters.
Concerns about the potential threat to this longstanding protection arose when the federal government introduced the Building Canada Act in 2019, enabling the fast-tracking of major projects deemed to be in the national interest, potentially bypassing existing laws.
Smith’s call for the repeal of the tanker ban aligns with Alberta’s proposal to construct an oil pipeline to the B.C. coast. Prime Minister Mark Carney views the Building Canada Act as a critical measure to counter the economic challenges posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs.
The federal government has assured that Indigenous communities will be consulted in the selection of fast-tracked projects, with further consultations planned with potentially affected nations during the project review process.
Eby stressed the importance of safeguarding B.C.’s waters and rejected the influence of divisive politics in shaping the national economic discourse.
While some First Nations support a new pipeline to B.C.’s coast as a means of advancing economic reconciliation, others emphasize the need for stringent environmental protections and upholding treaty rights.
Ellis Ross, MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley and former chief councillor of the Haisla Nation, highlighted the federal processes in place to ensure consultation with First Nations along proposed project routes.
Eby clarified that there are no concrete plans for a pipeline across the northern region yet, and Alberta’s premier’s office acknowledged the concerns raised, emphasizing the importance of credible proponents and extensive engagement with First Nations as the process unfolds.