The leaders of a First Nations-backed oil pipeline and tanker export proposal off the B.C. coast are speaking out against legislation introduced last week by the federal government to implement an oil tanker ban off B.C.’s north coast.
“To be clear; there has been insufficient consultation for the proposed tanker moratorium and it does not have our consent,” read a statement issued by Eagle Spirit Energy, an initiative of elected and hereditary chiefs from B.C., with elected co-chairs from B.C. and Alberta.
“As Indigenous peoples, we want to preserve the right to determine the types of activities that take place in our territories and do not accept that the federal government should tell us how to preserve, protect, and work within our traditional territories.”
Eagle Spirit says the Government of Canada should accept the analysis of affected coastal First Nations rather than put in place a blanket tanker moratorium, especially for First Nations led projects.
“We believe a First Nations process should be implemented to help determine what resource projects can be developed on our lands and what products can be shipped off of our coast lines,” said the statement.
“We will not support projects that endanger our communities and the environment; however, we do believe environmental protection and responsible economic development is possible. This ill-conceived legislation puts the prosperity and the future of our people, particularly our youth, in jeopardy.”
Eagle Spirit says its chief’s council will continue to study this legislation and its options and will have more to say in the days to come.
—JWN Energy
