'The answer is still no': B.C. chiefs react to new pipeline agreement

First Nations along the northern coast of B.C. were quick to oppose an agreement signed today that laid the groundwork for a new pipeline through their territories. 

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to make way for a new bitumen pipeline from the Alberta oilsands to the B.C. coast this morning in Calgary. 

“We will use every tool in our toolbox to ensure that this pipeline does not go ahead,” said Heiltsuk Nation Chief Marilyn Slett. 

“Today’s MOU does nothing to improve the chances of a north coast pipeline ever becoming reality.”

Similarly, the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), where Slett is a member, said in a statement they are “loudly objecting” to the agreement, noting that it was done without consultation of  coastal First Nations in the province. 

UBCIC said the bilateral agreement between Alberta and Canada does not meet the requirements around free, prior and informed consent that are outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“The answer is still no and always will be,” said UBCIC Grand Chief Stewart Phillip in a statement.

Phillip also said he opposed lifting the ban on crude oil tankers in the region. The MOU says there could be “appropriate adjustment to the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act,” if that’s needed to transport the bitumen.  

Parts of the north coast of B.C. are still struggling with the aftermath of a spill in 2016 when a tugboat leaked 110,000 litres of diesel and heavy oils in traditional fishing grounds, Slett said, and she vowed to protect the coastline from more damage.

“An oil spill could destroy our way of life,” she said.

“We would bear the risk.”

The agreement signed this morning was exclusively between Alberta and the federal government and says the two parties “agree to engage meaningfully with Indigenous Peoples in both Alberta and British Columbia” before it heads to the Major Project Office for approval. 

The MOU did not include any Indigenous signatories or the province of B.C.

However, at a news conference following the signing of the MOU, Smith thanked “partners in Indigenous communities” who were present this morning.