CANADA – Prime Minister Mark Carney promised to meet with Coastal First Nations leaders after chiefs from across the country voted unanimously on Tuesday to reject the federal-Alberta agreement that clears a path for a new oil pipeline and challenges the B.C. coastal oil tanker ban.
During the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) special gathering in Ottawa, the resolution was put forward by Chief Donald Edgars of Old Massett Village in Haida Gwaii. He told the assembled chiefs that a new pipeline to the B.C. coast is “nothing but a pipe dream.”
“We cannot let this happen,” Edgars stated. “I ask the chiefs to stand in support of coastal First Nations who firmly reject any pipelines that propose running through our territories.”
The resolution demands that the federal government uphold the 2019 legislation banning oil tankers carrying more than 12,500 tonnes of crude oil from stopping along the northern B.C. coast.
Outrage Over Lack of Consultation
The core of the opposition stems from the fact that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between PM Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was signed on November 27 without any consultation with First Nations who would be directly impacted.
B.C. Regional Chief Terry Teegee directly challenged Carney, asking if he respected the direction of the rights and title holders.
“The First Nations in British Columbia are completely outraged that there was no effort whatsoever made to consult with First Nations that will be impacted by a pipeline project to coastal waters,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip. He called the MOU “the most egregious dismissal of our constitutional and legal rights.”
AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak echoed the sentiment, insisting that Carney will not achieve his economic goals by ignoring Indigenous rights-holders. “Canada can create all the MOUs, projects offices and advisory groups (it wants), but chiefs will be united… There will be no getting around rights-holders,” she said.
Carney Pledges Meetings and Clean Water Bill
Prime Minister Carney addressed the assembly shortly after the vote, promising to engage with the B.C. leadership.
“I look forward to that meeting at the earliest opportunity,” Carney said, confirming his office had already made a formal request to meet with Coastal First Nations. However, Chief Teegee quickly cautioned that the “promise to meet is only as good as the deed.”
While Carney avoided discussing the pipeline or the tanker ban in detail, he made key commitments on other issues:
- Clean Water: He promised his government will introduce clean drinking water legislation in the spring, delaying a bill that had been promised for the fall. He noted that over $7 billion has been invested since 2016, but 38 advisories remain.
- Federal Summit: Carney also announced plans to host a joint meeting with federal, provincial, territorial, and First Nations leaders early in the new year, stating that First Nations leaders “will set the agenda” for the summit.
Despite the commitments, several chiefs heckled the Prime Minister as he left the stage, decrying the limited time they were given to ask questions.
