COAST SALISH TERRITORY, VANCOUVER – Christine Smith-Martin, CEO of Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative, issued the following statement in reaction to the Canadian government’s latest set of nation-building projects:
“Today, I was invited to attend the Prime Minister’s announcement on the second round of nation-building projects in Terrace, BC.
“I was encouraged by Prime Minister Carney’s commitment that the future of Canada’s energy sector will be low risk, low cost, and low carbon energy, and that designated national interest projects will only be built with the full participation of Indigenous peoples.
“While we are pleased that a northwest oil pipeline has not made the list of projects to date, we remain committed to ensuring the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act stays in place to protect our economy and our coast, for all Canadians.
“Protecting our coast is not a barrier to economic prosperity—it is the source of it.
“Our Nations understand the economic challenges Canada is facing, which is why we support major projects that are built in partnership with Indigenous peoples, protect the environment, and will benefit all British Columbians.
“The Central and North Coast and Haida Gwaii is not just the source of our current, economic livelihoods: it has been our home for thousands of years, and we look forward to working with the federal government to continue to protect and grow our coastal economy for generations to come.”
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
