Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit northern British Columbia to hold discussions with Coastal First Nations before embarking on his journey to China, a government source disclosed to CBC News. The source, speaking anonymously, indicated that the meeting will encompass various topics, including ongoing significant projects in the area and ways for the federal government and Indigenous communities to collaborate on ensuring projects are developed sustainably and in partnership.
Carney’s departure is scheduled for late Monday, with the meeting with Coastal First Nations planned for Tuesday. The government’s emphasis during the discussion will be on shared priorities such as marine conservation, ocean protection, and empowering Indigenous communities to take the lead on these initiatives.
Accompanying Carney on his visit will be Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, Housing Minister Gregor Robertson, and B.C. Liberal MP Wade Grant. Following the meeting, Carney will embark on an eight-day trip that includes visits to China, Qatar, and Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum.
The city of Prince Rupert is located near the proposed Ksi Lisims liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in northern British Columbia, one of the key projects earmarked by the federal government for expedited permitting and approval. This facility, also a priority for the B.C. government, aims to export 12 million tonnes of LNG annually to Asian markets. While the project is being developed in collaboration with the Nisga’a Nation, it is facing legal challenges from other First Nations.
Coastal First Nations, a coalition of nine First Nations in the region, have voiced strong opposition to a potential oil pipeline to the North Coast of British Columbia. Despite the memorandum of understanding signed between Ottawa and Alberta late last year, outlining a potential pathway for the pipeline and the lifting of an oil tanker ban along B.C.’s North Coast, Coastal First Nations remain resolute in their stance that the pipeline initiative will not come to fruition.
