First Nations chiefs urge halt to West Coast pipeline, citing climate crisis

First Nations leaders in British Columbia are demanding that the federal and Alberta governments stop advancing the West Coast pipeline. The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs stated that expanding the oil industry will accelerate climate change and disasters, pointing to recent wildfires and floods as evidence.

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The destructive and disastrous consequences of expanding fossil fuel production extend far beyond any single territory. From catastrophic wildfires to destructive floods and rising seas, the impacts of climate change are already being felt across this country. Every new fossil fuel project deepens that crisis.

In a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith, the chiefs wrote, "The destructive and disastrous consequences of expanding fossil fuel production extend far beyond any single territory." They added, "From catastrophic wildfires to destructive floods and rising seas, the impacts of climate change are already being felt across this country. Every new fossil fuel project deepens that crisis."

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Consultation cannot be meaningful if First Nations are invited only to discuss how a predetermined project will proceed. Nor can equity ownership, loan guarantees, revenue-sharing, employment, or other proposed benefits be treated as substitutes for consent.

The group also accused the government of failing to consult and co-operate in good faith. They noted that the government has already developed the project's corridor, named potential development partners, and is promoting its economic benefits. "Consultation cannot be meaningful if First Nations are invited only to discuss how a predetermined project will proceed," the chiefs stated. "Nor can equity ownership, loan guarantees, revenue-sharing, employment, or other proposed benefits be treated as substitutes for consent."

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The West Coast oil pipeline submission is currently under review by the Major Projects Office, which will consult with Indigenous communities as part of determining whether the project is in the national interest.

Alberta's Ministry of Indigenous Relations responded that the pipeline will offer long-term benefits for Indigenous communities, create jobs, and enhance energy security. A spokesperson said the project is under review and will include consultation with Indigenous communities to determine if it serves the national interest. The ministry affirmed its commitment to ongoing dialogue with First Nations and other partners.

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Our government remains committed to ongoing dialogue with First Nations and all partners as this work continues.