BC Indigenous Leaders Demand Pipeline Halt Over Climate Concerns

The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs is calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to halt efforts to advance the West Coast pipeline. The group, which represents First Nations in British Columbia, says expanding the oil industry will accelerate climate change and disasters.

The chiefs argue that the government has not consulted with them in good faith about the project, and instead has already developed the corridor for the pipeline and is promoting its economic case to the public.

They also point out that Ottawa took a step last week toward giving the proposed project a national interest designation under the Building Canada Act, which would allow the government to fast-track the pipeline and skirt some environmental laws. The government has accepted public feedback on the designation until mid-September.