Following the recent declaration by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith about her government’s initiative to submit an application to the federal Major Projects Office for a new bitumen pipeline to the northern British Columbia coast, reactions poured in swiftly, ranging from enthusiastic support to skepticism and opposition.
Various groups expressed their enthusiasm and hope to endorse the premier’s proposal, while others voiced concerns, uncertainties, and dissent.
Acting promptly, the premier directly presented her case to the entity most likely to pose obstacles: British Columbia.
A new taxpayer-funded pipeline project proposal extending to B.C.’s northwest coast has been put forward by the Alberta government. Premier Danielle Smith conversed with CBC’s Stephen Quinn to advocate why B.C. should support the plan, which is yet to garner the backing of B.C. Premier David Eby or Indigenous leaders.
“Securing support for these nation-building projects is crucial; it necessitates collaboration between British Columbia and Alberta,” Smith emphasized.
“Extensive Indigenous consultations with both Alberta bands and British Columbia nations are imperative. We aim for early and successful engagement.”
However, initial reactions suggest potential challenges ahead. Several First Nations in B.C. swiftly opposed Smith’s proposal, including B.C. Premier David Eby.
Although the pipeline proposal lacks a defined route and a private entity to construct and manage it, it garnered significant support from business associations and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.
One thing is certain: there exists a myriad of opinions regarding Smith’s proposition.
Here are some excerpts from the ongoing discourse.
B.C. First Nations
Marilyn Slett, president of the Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative and the elected chief of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, expressed strong opposition to the pipeline proposal, citing the enduring fight against crude oil tankers in their territorial waters spanning over five decades.
Slett highlighted a 2016 oil spill as a pivotal event leading to the establishment of the tanker ban. The spill by the Nathan E. Stewart vessel severely impacted the Heiltsuk territories, and Slett emphasized the area’s ongoing recovery challenges.
“Premier Smith’s continuous discourse on oil pipelines and tankers, along with the risk of a catastrophic oil spill in B.C.’s coastal waters, does not align with nation-building,” she underscored. “It jeopardizes the goodwill and support of First Nations for more feasible and economically beneficial nation-building projects in B