A delegation of First Nations leaders from British Columbia has delivered a formidable message to pipeline executives in Calgary: proceed with plans for a new bitumen pipeline to the northwest coast, and face the possibility of extensive legal battles. This meeting, held on Wednesday, underscored the deep commitment of Indigenous communities to safeguard their lands and waters, particularly in relation to the food security provided by the ocean.
Strong Message from Indigenous Leaders
Haida Nation President Jason Aslop, also known as Gaagwiis, articulated the urgency of their mission, emphasising the responsibility of Indigenous leaders to protect the ocean and its resources. “We are prepared to use all the tools available to us to uphold that responsibility,” Aslop stated, signalling the significant legal and financial risks that any potential investors in a northern pipeline might encounter.
Chief Councillor Arnold Clifton from the Gitga’at First Nation recalled the historic struggle against Enbridge Inc.’s Northern Gateway pipeline proposal, which was ultimately abandoned a decade ago due to fierce opposition from Indigenous groups. “I think it’s going to be a lot stronger now if anything comes up because we’ll have everyone involved to fight,” Clifton remarked, highlighting the unity among the communities.
Meeting with Pipeline Executives
The delegation met with senior officials from Pembina Pipeline Corp. and Trans Mountain Corp. at a downtown Calgary hotel. Pembina, primarily focused on natural gas transportation, has partnered with the Haisla Nation on the Cedar LNG project currently under construction in Kitimat. Importantly, Pembina has not shown interest in developing a new bitumen pipeline.
Trans Mountain, a Crown corporation, operates a pipeline that transports Alberta crude to the Vancouver area. Currently, it is advising the Alberta government on early planning for a new oil pipeline, with an emphasis on expanding existing infrastructure rather than initiating new projects.
Government Plans for New Pipeline Development
The Alberta government aims to submit a proposal for a new pipeline project in British Columbia by summer, which is intended to mitigate risks sufficiently for private sector investment. This ambitious plan is part of a broader energy accord established between the Alberta and federal governments late last year, which includes a significant carbon capture and storage project in Alberta.
However, moving forward with this pipeline would necessitate legislative changes to allow for the construction of an oil tanker port along the northern B.C. coast, an area currently protected against such developments. Reports suggest that the Alberta government is considering Prince Rupert, B.C., as a potential endpoint for the pipeline due to its deepwater port and reduced shipping distance to Asian markets, although a southern route to Vancouver is also being explored to avoid environmental challenges and opposition.
Indigenous Commitment to Environmental Protection
Hereditary Chief Darin Swanson of the Haida Nation, who is also known as Ginaawaan, firmly rejected the notion that financial incentives could sway his community’s stance against a bitumen pipeline and tanker port. “Our beaches are pristine. You could walk down the beach, you could pick up crab off the beach to eat,” he explained, underscoring the ecological importance of the region. “Any risk is not worth it. It doesn’t matter how much money or how many jobs.”
The First Nations delegation also reached out to other companies, including Enbridge and South Bow Corp., as well as natural gas pipeline operator TC Energy, but was unable to secure meetings with them. They did, however, deliver letters outlining the potential dangers of supporting a new oil pipeline in British Columbia.
Why it Matters
The confrontation between Indigenous leaders and pipeline companies encapsulates a broader struggle for environmental justice and sovereignty in Canada. As the Alberta government seeks to expand its oil infrastructure, the commitment of First Nations to protect their lands and waters serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing tensions between resource development and Indigenous rights. With legal challenges looming, the future of proposed pipeline projects hangs in the balance, reflecting a crucial moment for both environmental advocacy and Indigenous activism in Canada’s energy landscape.
