First Nations leaders unanimously voted on Tuesday to advocate for the maintenance of the oil tanker ban along the northern coast of British Columbia. During a meeting in Ottawa, chiefs expressed their solidarity by also approving a resolution urging the Canadian government to retract a recent agreement that paves the way for a new oil pipeline to be constructed in the region.
Last week, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith struck a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on energy initiatives, potentially leading to an exemption from the tanker ban to facilitate the pipeline project.
The discussion on this critical issue took precedence at the Assembly of First Nations gathering in Ottawa, where numerous chiefs convened to address various community concerns. Chief Donald Edgars of Old Massett Village in Haida Gwaii spearheaded the resolution, rallying support for the oil tanker ban and standing in solidarity with First Nations in British Columbia who oppose the proposed pipeline.
Later today, Carney is scheduled to speak to the assembly, offering further insights on the matter.