The heads of two prominent communities on British Columbia’s North Coast engaged in discussions with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith this week to explore economic prospects and reiterate their enduring opposition to a proposed oil pipeline traversing the area.
Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth and elected Haisla Chief Maureen Nyce underscored the community’s stand against the Northern Gateway project, which was manifested over a decade ago through a formal vote. The Haisla Nation’s steadfast objection to the oil pipeline project was clearly communicated to Premier Smith during their recent meeting.
The meeting between Smith and the community leaders preceded an anticipated announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Alberta, encompassing federal assistance for a planned pipeline through northern British Columbia.
Germuth and Nyce accentuated shared interests with Smith, particularly in the realm of developing a liquefied natural gas industry in the region. Projects such as LNG Canada, which transports natural gas via pipeline, have garnered support from the Haisla community, encountering comparatively less resistance than oil pipeline proposals along the same path.
Amidst ongoing opposition from Coastal First Nations, including the Gitga’at, Gitxaała, Haida, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo Xai’xais, Metlakatla, Nuxalk, and Wuikinuxv First Nations, discussions around reviving an oil pipeline have been met with staunch disapproval.
Heiltsuk First Nation Chief Marilyn Slett reiterated the unequivocal stance against oil tankers on the coast and any potential pipeline project, emphasizing the paramountcy of protecting inherent rights and environmental integrity.
B.C. Premier David Eby has consistently voiced disapproval of the proposed oil pipeline, emphasizing its potential disruption to existing economic initiatives collaborating with local First Nations. Kitimat Mayor Germuth and Chief Nyce highlighted their focus on diverse economic projects during the meeting with Premier Smith, emphasizing Kitimat’s significance as a port community.
Despite differing views on the potential pipeline project, both leaders deemed the dialogue with Smith constructive and aligned with shared interests. Germuth expressed openness to evaluating a new proposal for a pipeline, contingent on a revised approach distinct from past controversial projects like Northern Gateway.
Nyce expressed disappointment in Germuth’s flexibility on the issue but acknowledged the overall productivity of the meeting with Premier Smith, noting her genuine interest in their shared concerns.