A group of Indigenous leaders from British Columbia has traveled to Calgary to deliver a direct message to pipeline executives: avoid investing in a new bitumen pipeline to the northwest coast or face a protracted legal battle.
Jason Alsop, the President of the Haida Nation, emphasized the importance of protecting the ocean and food security it sustains. He stated that the passage of crude tankers through northern B.C. waters would jeopardize these vital resources and vowed to exhaust all available means to fulfill their responsibility, branding investment in a pipeline to the north coast as a substantial legal and financial risk.
Reflecting on past successes, Chief councillor Arnold Clifton of the Gitga’at First Nation referenced the collective opposition that led to the cancellation of Enbridge Inc.’s Northern Gateway proposal a decade ago, describing it as a “David and Goliath” victory. He expressed confidence in the strengthened unity among northern B.C. communities, emphasizing their readiness to combat any future challenges.
During their visit to Calgary, the delegation engaged in discussions with senior leadership from Pembina Pipeline Corp. and Trans Mountain Corp. While Pembina Pipeline is predominantly engaged in natural gas transportation and is currently involved in the Cedar LNG project in Kitimat, it has not shown interest in pursuing a new bitumen pipeline.
On the other hand, Trans Mountain, a government-owned entity, manages a pipeline connecting Alberta’s crude oil to the Vancouver region. Although it advises the Alberta government on potential new oil pipeline initiatives, its primary focus remains on expanding its existing infrastructure.
Following the meetings, a spokesperson for Trans Mountain confirmed a respectful dialogue with the Indigenous leaders, emphasizing the company’s commitment to understanding their perspectives. However, Pembina Pipeline did not provide a comment on the discussions.
Despite facing challenges in scheduling meetings with other oil and gas pipeline companies, the delegation extended invitations and delivered a letter warning about the risks associated with supporting a B.C. oil pipeline. The Alberta government is gearing up to present a proposal for a B.C. pipeline to the federal major projects office, seeking to mitigate risks for private sector involvement.
The collaboration between the Alberta and federal governments aims to facilitate the construction of a new B.C. pipeline alongside a significant carbon capture and storage project in Alberta. This endeavor would necessitate legislative changes to permit a new oil tanker port on the northern B.C. coast, with Prince Rupert emerging as a preferred endpoint due to its advantageous deepwater port and shorter shipping route to Asia.
In light of environmental considerations, there is contemplation of a southern route to Vancouver, which could encounter fewer obstacles and opposition. Chief councillor Arnold Clifton expressed support for a plan that avoids northern waters, underscoring the importance of safeguarding pristine coastal environments and marine ecosystems.
Hereditary Chief Darin Swanson of the Haida Nation reiterated the unwavering stance against a bitumen pipeline and tanker port, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of their pristine beaches and abundant marine resources. He stressed that no monetary incentives or job prospects could outweigh the potential risks to their cherished natural surroundings.
