PRINCE RUPERT, BC (Jan. 13, 2026) – Marilyn Slett, President of the Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative and elected Chief of the Heiltsuk Nation, issued the following statement following a meeting between Coastal First Nations leadership, Lax Kw’alaams, the Haisla Nation, and Prime Minister Mark Carney in Prince Rupert, BC.
“Today, our leadership had a collaborative and productive meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. As the Rights and Title Holders of the Central and North Coast and Haida Gwaii, we remain steadfast in our position that oil tankers will never be part of our vision for a healthy, productive and sustainable North Coast.
“We are committed to upholding Bill C-48, the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, to safeguard our coast in the national interest of all Canadians. Prime Minister Carney has confirmed that the federal government, consistent with Canada’s legal obligations and its commitments to UNDRIP, will work with First Nations and seek our consent regarding any proposed projects within our territories, and that we will work together to develop a transparent process moving forward.
“Our Nations understand the economic challenges Canada is facing, which is why we are ready to help facilitate major projects that are built in partnership with Indigenous peoples, protect the environment, and will benefit all British Columbians. Our track record shows that when we work together, we can build forward-looking, innovative, and durable economic partnerships that benefit all Canadians.
“Northwest BC already represents 40 percent of the current, shovel-ready major projects announced by the federal government, which will result in a monumental increase in shipping of LNG and critical mineral exports in our waters.
“Protecting the coast means protecting thousands of jobs, hundreds of businesses, and billions in economic value that we have built up over the past 25 years. Together, we are planning for these increased risks by ensuring the appropriate investments are in place to ensure safe and reliable shipping in the coming years.
“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.”
Media Background
A photo of Coastal First Nations leaders presenting PM Carney with a copy of the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) declaration at today’s meeting is available here.
For over 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
cthompson@coastalfirstnations.ca
250-305-8756
