COAST SALISH TERRITORY, VANCOUVER (Nov. 19, 2025) – Marilyn Slett, President of the Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative and elected Chief of the Heiltsuk Nation, issued the following statement in reaction to reported discussions between Alberta and the federal government regarding a proposed oil pipeline MOU and an exemption to the tanker ban on the northwest coast of BC:
“As the Rights and Title Holders of the Central and North Coast and Haida Gwaii, we are incredibly alarmed to read media reports about alleged negotiations between the federal government and province of Alberta regarding proposals to build an oil pipeline to the northwest coast.
“We have been very clear that we do not support this proposed project and Coastal First Nations, along with the government of British Columbia, have called on the federal government to uphold the tanker ban. Any discussions around an exemption to the current ban on oil tankers triggers the honour of the Crown and requires our consent.
“We are tired of learning about these discussions regarding our traditional territories in the press. Both the Prime Minister and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson have repeatedly stated that such a project would require the support of First Nations and of the government of British Columbia.
“We have put forth multiple requests for nation-to-nation meetings with both the Prime Minister and Minister Hodgson. It is time for them to live up to their commitments and set up a respectful table that includes Coastal First Nations and the province of BC. This approach is only building mistrust, and Canada should commit to talking with us directly instead of deliberately sidestepping our communities.”
On November 5, 2025, Coastal First Nations and the Province of BC signed the North Coast Protection Declaration, calling on the federal government to uphold the oil tanker ban as a matter of national responsibility and an investment in Canada’s treasured marine environment and the economic prosperity of future generations.
The oil tanker ban is the result of over 50 years of advocacy from First Nations and coastal communities and is supported by federal and provincial governments of all political stripes.
About Coastal First Nations
For 25 years, Coastal First Nations has focused on building a sustainable conservation economy, delivering over 1400 jobs and 140 new businesses to date. In the past 15 years, this economy has generated nearly $2 billion in economic value for British Columbia and Canada.
Media Contact:
Caitlin Thompson, Director of Communications, Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative
Email: cthompson@coastalfirstnations.ca | Phone: 250-305-8756
