(Vancouver, November 13, 2015) – The Coastal First Nations commends Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s directive for a moratorium on oil tanker traffic on BC’s north coast.
“It is another strong signal that Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline will not go forward. We hope that this finally puts an end to Northern Gateway Pipeline,” said CFN president Marilyn Slett.
Our communities have fought for decades to keep our waters and resources safe from oil tanker, she said. The Coastal First Nations has had a ban on oil tankers since March 2010.
The idea of oil tankers in our traditional waters was a non-starter for Coastal First Nations, she said. “Our communities have Aboriginal Title and Rights to the lands and waters. We had a responsibility to protect our lands, waters and resources.”
Slett said moratorium makes it impossible for Enbridge to continue moving its Northern Gateway Pipeline forward. “It is heartening that Prime Minister Trudeau is keeping his commitment to formalize the moratorium on crude oil tankers on BC’s coast.”
The Coastal First Nations have invested millions of dollars to develop a sustainable coastal economy. “We would rather focus on building a healthy economy than fighting the perilous Northern Gateway Pipeline project.”
The Coastal First Nations are an alliance of First Nations that includes the Wuikinuxv Nation, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xaixais, Nuxalk, Gitga’at, Metlakatla, Old Massett, Skidegate, and Council of the Haida Nation working together to create a sustainable economy on British Columbia’s North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii.
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For more information:
Chief Marilyn Slett
President, Coastal First Nations
1-250-957-7721
