Controversy Surrounds Proposed Oil Pipeline and Tanker Ban in Canada's Coastal Regions
In October 2016, the grounding of the Nathan E Stewart near Seaforth Channel resulted in a significant diesel spill of about 110,000 litres. The cleanup effort lasted 40 days and involved 45 vessels and 200 personnel. The incident heavily affected the Heiltsuk Nation around Bella Bella, damaging traditional harvesting sites and enabling the spread of invasive European green crab. These environmental damages have led to ongoing economic losses for the Heiltsuk and other coastal communities.
Coastal First Nations, representing nine nations, alongside chiefs representing over 600 First Nations, have declared the tanker ban along the BC north coast to be non-negotiable. They urge the Canadian government in Ottawa to uphold this restriction. Despite this, Prime Minister Mark Carney supports a pipeline project that would transport at least 1 million barrels of oil per day from Alberta to British Columbia and then to Asia. He has also introduced new powers to accelerate permitting processes, which could include lifting the tanker restrictions on BC's north coast.
The proposed route involves large tankers traveling through the Hecate Strait and the Gulf of Alaska, areas known for extreme weather and hazardous maritime conditions. BC Premier David Eby has expressed strong opposition to lifting the tanker ban, calling it a grave mistake that could undermine other regional initiatives. He stated he would only support a pipeline project if the tanker ban remains in place.
Green Party leader Elizabeth May emphasized that there is no chance of oil tankers moving through the inner BC coast, citing scientific evidence and the substantial risk of spills. Heiltsuk leaders have also pointed out that cultural losses caused by spills are not compensated under maritime law. In response, they have sought international engagement, including sending a delegation to the United Nations maritime organization in London to advocate for changes in policy.
