A group of Indigenous leaders from British Columbia is in Calgary to communicate a direct message to pipeline executives: avoid investing in a new bitumen pipeline to the northwest coast to evade a potential prolonged legal battle.
Jason Alsop, President of the Haida Nation, emphasized the responsibility to protect the ocean and its resources, stating that crude tankers in northern B.C. waters would jeopardize food security. He expressed their readiness to utilize all available means to uphold this duty, highlighting the legal and financial risks associated with investing in a pipeline to the north coast.
Arnold Clifton, Chief councillor of the Gitga’at First Nation, referenced the successful opposition against Enbridge Inc.’s Northern Gateway project a decade ago, emphasizing the strengthened unity among northern B.C. communities to combat any similar proposals in the future.
During their visit, the delegation met with senior officials from Pembina Pipeline Corp. and Trans Mountain Corp. While Pembina Pipeline is focused on natural gas transportation and not interested in a new bitumen pipeline, Trans Mountain, a Crown corporation, is involved in advising the Alberta government on a potential new oil pipeline project.
Trans Mountain confirmed a respectful dialogue with the Indigenous leaders, while Pembina Pipeline did not provide a comment on the meeting. The delegation extended invitations to other pipeline companies but could not arrange meetings, delivering a cautionary letter regarding the risks associated with supporting a B.C. oil pipeline.
The Alberta government is preparing a proposal for a new B.C. pipeline project, aiming to attract private-sector investment with federal support. The project aligns with a broader energy agreement between the Alberta and federal governments, involving considerations for a carbon capture project in Alberta.
Preference has been shown for Prince Rupert, B.C., as the pipeline’s terminus, although a southern route to Vancouver is also under consideration to potentially mitigate environmental challenges and opposition.
Hereditary Chief Darin Swanson of the Haida Nation emphasized the irreplaceable value of their pristine beaches and marine resources, stating that no financial incentive could outweigh the risks posed by a bitumen pipeline and tanker port in the region.