Coastal B.C. First Nation leaders in Calgary to dissuade pipeline investors

Heiltsuk Chief Councillor Marilyn Slett pauses for a moment during a news conference in Vancouver, Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. (THE CANADIAN PRESS Jonathan Hayward)

A delegation of First Nations from British Columbia are in Calgary to relay a message to oil executives to “steer clear” of plans to build a pipeline to the northwest coast.

Leaders of the Haida, Kitasoo, Gitga’at and Heiltsuk nations say in a statement that they met with senior leadership from Pembina Pipeline Corp. and Trans Mountain Corp. to deliver a joint letter on behalf of six North Coast nations.

They say the letter reiterates the nations’ “steadfast opposition to a northwest coast crude oil pipeline project,” while urging companies to avoid getting involved.

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The statement says the letter, which was also delivered to other major pipeline companies, advises of the legal and financial risks of backing a crude oil pipeline and tanker project that is opposed by Aboriginal title holders.

The leaders say they have a responsibility to look after their territories and invest in a reliable coastal economy, and “any potential oil spill would risk it all.”

While the memorandum of understand between the governments of Alberta and Canada has revived the push for a new bitumen pipeline, it requires private sector investment, and Heiltsuk Chief Councillor Marilyn Slett says in the statement that so far no company has come forward in support of the proposal.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 22, 2026.

The Canadian Press