A group of Indigenous leaders from British Columbia traveled to Calgary to deliver a direct warning to pipeline executives – stay away from investing in a new bitumen pipeline to the northwest coast or face a prolonged legal battle.
Haida Nation President Jason Alsop, also known as Gaagwiis, emphasized the responsibility of protecting the ocean and food security. He stated that introducing crude tankers in northern B.C. waters would jeopardize these essential resources.
Chief councillor Arnold Clifton of the Gitga’at First Nation highlighted the successful resistance of northern B.C. communities against Enbridge Inc.’s Northern Gateway proposal a decade ago. He expressed confidence in the united front of Indigenous groups to oppose any similar future projects.
The delegation engaged in discussions with senior figures from Pembina Pipeline Corp. and Trans Mountain Corp. While Pembina Pipeline is currently focused on natural gas transportation and not pursuing a new bitumen pipeline, Trans Mountain is involved in advising the Alberta government on a potential new oil pipeline.
Trans Mountain confirmed a meeting between its CEO, Mark Maki, and the Indigenous leaders, emphasizing the importance of understanding Indigenous perspectives. The delegation also reached out to other oil and gas pipeline companies to caution them about the risks associated with supporting a B.C. oil pipeline.
The Alberta government plans to submit a proposal for a B.C. pipeline to the federal major projects office, aiming to attract private-sector investment. This proposal aligns with a broader energy agreement between the Alberta and federal governments, which includes plans for a new B.C. pipeline and a carbon capture and storage project in Alberta.
The preference for the pipeline’s endpoint in Prince Rupert, B.C., due to its deepwater port and proximity to Asia, is being considered. However, an alternative southern route to Vancouver with potentially fewer environmental challenges is also under review.
Hereditary Chief Darin Swanson of the Haida Nation emphasized the irreplaceable value of their pristine beaches and abundant marine resources, stating that no financial incentive would sway their opposition to a bitumen pipeline and tanker port.