First Nations Endorse Tanker Ban, Reject Pipeline Initiatives

Post by : Mina Rahman

British Columbia’s Energy Minister, Adrian Dix, states that the unanimous decision by chiefs at the Assembly of First Nations in Ottawa to uphold the oil tanker ban solidifies the province's position that better alternatives to a northern coast pipeline are available.

Chiefs from more than 600 First Nations have urged Ottawa to sustain the tanker ban off B.C.’s northern coast and revoke the memorandum of understanding recently established between the federal and Alberta governments.

Dix emphasized that the assembly's decision aligns with the long-standing views of First Nations. He criticized the memorandum, pointing out it was signed with “no project, no proponent, and no viable path for the project’s advancement.” Additionally, he questioned the economic rationale for constructing a new northern pipeline and remarked that proposals for a southern pipeline aren't given adequate consideration.

He further noted that leveraging existing pipelines is significantly more economical than building new ones, and B.C. is open to engaging with Alberta regarding enhancing current oil shipping capacities.

Marilyn Slett, president of the Coastal First Nations, expressed her appreciation for the support shown at the assembly, asserting that safeguarding B.C.’s northern coast is imperative and should be upheld by the federal government.

Both Slett and Premier David Eby emphasized that federal endorsement for a northern pipeline would necessitate the agreement of the affected First Nations, particularly since revoking the tanker ban would be essential for the project to advance. Eby described the proposed pipeline as a diversion from ongoing energy projects, warning that it could deplete scarce governmental resources.