Opposition and Risks Surround Proposed Canadian Oil Pipeline Amid First Nations Concerns
In October, the grounding of the Nathan E Stewart off the central British Columbia coast caused a major environmental incident with a 110,000-litre diesel spill near Seaforth Channel. Within four hours, the ship began taking on water and an oil sheen was visible, leading to a cleanup operation lasting 40 days involving 45 vessels and 200 personnel. The spill contaminated over 1,500 acres and severely damaged Heiltsuk Nation harvesting sites, causing ongoing economic losses. The Heiltsuk Nation is now seeking compensation for cultural losses under maritime law and has sent a delegation to London to lobby the United Nations International Maritime Organization for regulatory changes.
Despite the disaster nearly a decade ago, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed support for a pipeline project that would transport at least one million barrels per day of bitumen to Asia. This proposal includes new powers that could expedite permitting processes and potentially lift the existing oil tanker ban along the coast. However, this development is strongly opposed by the Coastal First Nations along the central coast, which includes nine nations. Chiefs representing more than 600 First Nations have voted to uphold the oil tanker ban.
BC Premier David Eby has stated that lifting the tanker ban would be a grave mistake, cautioning that support for other regional projects could be endangered if the ban is removed. The proposed route for the pipeline would require large oil tankers to navigate through hazardous areas such as the Hecate Strait and Gulf of Alaska. Critics warn of the risks posed by dangerous weather and the potential for future spills in these treacherous waters. Green Party leader Elizabeth May affirmed that there is no chance oil tankers will transit through the inner waters between Haida Gwaii and BC's north coast, emphasizing adherence to science-based limits.
