First Nations Denounce Canada PM's Tar Sands Deal Made Without Their Consent

""We will use every tool in our toolbox to ensure that this pipeline does not go ahead," said Heiltsuk Nation Chief Marilyn Slett in response to the Carney-Smith deal that would bring tens of millions of barrels of tar sands oil from Alberta to the coast of British Columbia for export by building new pipeline and lifting a moratorium against oil tankers operating in fragile British Columbia coastal water."

"While Carney, who argues that the pipeline is in Canada's economic interest, had vowed to secure the support of First Nations before finalizing any agreement with the Alberta, furious reactions to the deal made it clear that promise was not met. Xhaaidlagha Gwaayaai, the president of the Haida nation, was emphatic: "This project is not going to happen." The agreement, according to the New York Times, is part of Carney's "plan to curb Canada's trade dependence on the United States,"

First Nations and environmental allies in Canada are denouncing an agreement between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to build pipeline and tanker infrastructure. The agreement would transport tens of millions of barrels of tar sands oil from Alberta to the British Columbia coast for export, including lifting a moratorium on oil tankers. Heiltsuk Nation Chief Marilyn Slett vowed to use every tool to stop the pipeline, and Haida president Xhaaidlagha Gwaayaai declared the project will not happen. The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs called the memorandum of understanding high risk and deeply irresponsible. The plan shifts policy toward expanding the oil and gas industry and reducing U.S. trade dependence.

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