First Nations leaders urge Canadian governments to stop West Coast pipeline progress

The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs issued a statement on the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples demanding that both the federal government and Alberta stop advancing the West Coast pipeline. The group argues that expanding the oil sector will intensify climate change and increase the frequency of natural disasters. It also contended that the governments have failed to engage First Nations in a meaningful way, having already mapped the pipeline corridor, identified prospective development partners, and promoted the project's economic benefits.

The chiefs described the consultation process as a token exercise limited to discussing how a pre-decided project will proceed. Last week, Ottawa signaled intent to grant the pipeline a national interest designation under the Building Canada Act, a move that would allow faster approval and sidestep certain environmental regulations. The government announced it will accept public feedback on the designation until mid-September. The chiefs reiterated their opposition, emphasizing the lack of genuine cooperation and the potential environmental harms of the project.