COAST SALISH TERRITORY, VANCOUVER, BC (May 15, 2026) – 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 today’s announcement by Canada and Alberta that they are making progress in achieving their MOU for a pipeline project:
“Today’s announcement does nothing to increase the chances of a pipeline and oil tankers route to the North Coast ever becoming a reality.
“We have heard directly from the Prime Minister and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson, that no project, and no route, will proceed without the support of affected First Nations and the province in which it is proposed.
“As the legally recognized rights and title holders under Canadian and international law, we do not support a proposed oil pipeline and tankers route to the North Coast of BC and we, along with the Lax Kw’alaams Band and the province of BC, have called on the federal government to uphold the North Coast Oil Tanker Moratorium Act in its entirety, with no exceptions or carve outs.
“No offer of equity or ownership will change our position, and no proponent is acceptable to us. Governments and would-be proponents should be aware of our absolute determination to protect our economy and our coast, which contributes more than $3 billion annually to our region and employs 30 percent of the workforce.
“There is no technology that can clean-up an oil spill at sea, and one spill could destroy our way of life.
“Our Nations understand the economic challenges Canada is facing, and we want national projects to succeed based on strong partnerships with First Nations that recognize the need to protect our marine ecosystems and the sustainable economies we have built together, for the benefit of all Canadians.”
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.
Media Contact
Caitlin Thompson
Director of Communications
Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative
cthompson@coastalfirstnations.ca
250-305-8756
