B.C. Premier David Eby, accompanied by various First Nations representatives from B.C.’s northern coast, publicly endorsed and ratified a declaration on Wednesday, urging Ottawa to uphold the ban on oil tankers in the province’s northern waters. The North Coast Protection Declaration is part of B.C.’s ongoing efforts to prompt the federal government to safeguard the environment and the self-governance of First Nations. This move comes in response to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s advocacy for a new privately-operated pipeline to transport crude oil to the northern B.C. coast for export to Asia.
According to the declaration, any potential spill of crude oil in the region could devastate the coastal economy, causing substantial financial losses and irreparable ecological harm. Premier Eby strongly opposed the idea of lifting the ban, stating that it lacks logical reasoning. The protection of the ecological region has been a longstanding concern for local residents, who emphasize the importance of preserving the area’s rich biodiversity and productivity.
During the 10th B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering in Vancouver, Eby, along with Coastal First Nations President Marilyn Slett and other coastal First Nation leaders, collectively signed the declaration. The document underscores the interconnectedness of the North Coast’s environment and economic activities, supporting a sustainable economy that sustains numerous livelihoods in various sectors, including fisheries, tourism, renewable energy, and conservation efforts.
Since 1985, there has been a voluntary exclusion zone in the coastal area, and in 2019, the federal government implemented the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act to prevent oil tankers carrying over 12,500 metric tons of crude oil from operating in specific areas of B.C.’s northern waters. Concerns emerged this summer following the introduction of the Building Canada Act by Ottawa, which could expedite major projects deemed to be in the national interest, potentially bypassing existing regulations.
While some First Nations communities express support for a new pipeline to B.C.’s coast as a means of promoting economic reconciliation, others stress the necessity of balancing economic development with environmental conservation and treaty rights. Eby emphasized the importance of preserving B.C.’s waters and rejected the notion of allowing divisive politics to influence discussions around the country’s economic future. He clarified that the declaration reflects a longstanding consensus and is not a direct response to Alberta’s stance on the matter.
Addressing the absence of an actual pipeline project, Eby underscored the lack of concrete plans, routes, proponents, or funding for such a venture. The statement from the Alberta premier’s office acknowledges Eby’s concerns and calls for patience as the process unfolds, emphasizing the federal government’s pivotal role in regulating interprovincial trade and commerce to support potential projects that could benefit millions of Canadians.
