Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson has expressed regret for his choice of words when offering a meeting to Coastal First Nations in Vancouver. Hodgson stated his willingness to meet with the group of nine First Nations, who oppose a bitumen pipeline to Northern British Columbia, following an agreement signed by Ottawa and Alberta to advance the project.
Despite concerns raised by the group’s president, Marilyn Slett, about the short notice of the meeting, Hodgson dismissed these by suggesting a virtual meeting using Zoom during an interview on CBC’s Power & Politics.
After facing criticism for his initial remarks, Hodgson issued an apology to the Coastal First Nations approximately 24 hours later. In a social media post, Hodgson acknowledged his poor choice of words and expressed his regret, reaching out to the group directly to apologize and arrange an in-person meeting at their convenience.
Slett described Hodgson’s initial comments as disrespectful and reflective of a lack of understanding of their communities. She emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue for productive relationships, highlighting their successful collaborations with the federal and British Columbia governments on initiatives in the Great Bear Rainforest and Sea.
Despite the initial misstep, Hodgson indicated his willingness to visit the group in person following the virtual meeting suggestion.