British Columbia Premier David Eby, alongside representatives from various First Nations on the province’s northern coast, endorsed and signed a declaration on Wednesday urging Ottawa to uphold the ban on oil tankers in the region. The North Coast Protection Declaration is part of B.C.’s ongoing efforts to encourage the federal government to safeguard the environment and the self-governance of First Nations. This move comes amidst Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s advocacy for a new privately-owned pipeline to transport crude oil to the northern B.C. coast for export to Asia.
The declaration emphasizes the potential catastrophic impacts of a crude oil spill in the area, warning of the destruction of billions of dollars in economic activities along the coast and long-lasting ecological damage. Premier Eby strongly criticized the idea of lifting the ban, stating that it would be illogical.
Local communities have stressed the importance of preserving the ecological integrity of the region, describing it as one of the most productive ecoregions globally. Marilyn Slett, president of the Coastal First Nations and chief councillor for Heiltsuk First Nation, emphasized the desire to maintain a way of life closely tied to a healthy and intact ocean.
Eby, Slett, and other coastal First Nation leaders jointly signed the declaration during the 10th B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering in Vancouver. The declaration underscores the interconnectedness of the North Coast’s environment and economic activities, supporting a sustainable conservation economy that sustains numerous livelihoods in various sectors like fisheries, tourism, renewable energy, and stewardship.
Since 1985, there has been a voluntary exclusion zone over the coastal area, and in 2019, the federal government implemented the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, prohibiting large oil tankers from transporting, loading, or unloading more than 12,500 metric tons of crude oil or persistent oil in certain northern B.C. waters. Concerns arose when the Building Canada Act was introduced, potentially jeopardizing the existing protections by fast-tracking projects considered in the national interest, including proposals like the Alberta pipeline to the B.C. coast.
Eby reiterated the necessity of safeguarding B.C.’s waters, cautioning against divisive politics influencing the national discourse on the Canadian economy. Despite some First Nations expressing support for a new pipeline to B.C.’s coast as a means for economic reconciliation, Eby emphasized that there are currently no concrete plans or proponents for such a project. Discussions continue among stakeholders, with a focus on balancing environmental concerns, treaty rights, and economic development.