A group of Indigenous leaders from British Columbia has traveled to Calgary to deliver a direct warning to pipeline executives: abstain from investing in a new bitumen pipeline to the northwest coast or face extensive legal battles.
Jason Alsop, also known as Gaagwiis, the President of the Haida Nation, emphasized the community’s responsibility to protect the ocean and the food security it sustains. He stated that the presence of crude tankers in northern B.C. waters poses a significant risk that they are prepared to challenge using all available means.
Arnold Clifton, Chief councillor of the Gitga’at First Nation, referenced the successful opposition against Enbridge Inc.’s Northern Gateway proposal a decade ago, describing it as a “David and Goliath” battle. He highlighted the strengthened unity of communities now, ready to fight against any similar projects.
The delegation engaged in meetings with senior executives from Pembina Pipeline Corp. and Trans Mountain Corp. in a downtown Calgary hotel. While Pembina Pipeline focuses primarily on natural gas transportation and is involved in the Cedar LNG project in Kitimat with the Haisla Nation, they have shown no inclination towards a new bitumen pipeline.
Trans Mountain, a government-owned corporation operating an Alberta-Vancouver pipeline, has been advising the Alberta government on potential new oil pipeline plans but is currently focused on expanding existing infrastructure. A spokesperson confirmed a respectful dialogue between their CEO and the Indigenous leaders.
Despite extending invitations to other oil and gas pipeline companies, the delegation could not secure meetings but did deliver a letter outlining the risks of supporting a B.C. oil pipeline. The Alberta government intends to propose a B.C. pipeline project to the federal major projects office soon, aiming to attract private-sector investment.
The Alberta government’s energy accord with the federal government outlines plans for a new B.C. pipeline alongside a significant carbon capture and storage initiative in Alberta. Potential end points for the pipeline include Prince Rupert, B.C., and a southern route to Vancouver, with the latter facing fewer environmental obstacles and opposition, according to reports.
Hereditary Chief Darin Swanson of the Haida Nation, also known as Ginaawaan, firmly stated his opposition to a bitumen pipeline and tanker port, emphasizing the pristine nature of their beaches and marine resources that would be put at risk by such developments.