News Release
October 25, 2021

UBCIC Calls on BC to End the LNG-Fracking Industry in Response to Climate Emergency

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – October 25, 2021) With less than two weeks before the COP26 UN climate conference in Scotland, the dark shadow of Canada and BC’s climate record looms large – Canada has had the highest emission growth of the G7 countries since the Paris Agreement was signed in 2016, and BC’s aspirations to expand Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and fracking operations continue to thwart efforts to meet or exceed the province’s outdated legislated  emissions targets. With the climate crisis disproportionately endangering the lives and cultures of Indigenous peoples, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is urgently calling upon the provincial government to stop investing in LNG and fracking expansion, and to implement crucial measures that will support the just transition to a clean-energy economy.

News Release
October 25, 2019

UBCIC Marches for Climate Justice with Greta Thunberg

((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – October 25, 2019) Today the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) will stand and march proudly alongside Greta Thunberg and the thousands of young climate strikers who are sending a clear post-election message to our political leaders that the time for uncompromising and sustained climate change action is now. Climate strikers will assemble at the Vancouver Art Gallery at 11 a.m. before marching through downtown and hearing from special guests, including Grand Chief Stewart Philip, President of UBCIC and Greta Thunberg. 

News Release
June 18, 2019

Canada Approves TMX Despite Failing to Achieve Consent: Declaration of Climate Emergency Rings Hollow

(Traditional and unceded territories of the Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)- June 18, 2019) - In spite of today’s federal cabinet approval of the controversial project, Indigenous leaders from across BC remain staunchly opposed to the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion (TMX) and have vowed that it will never get built.  The federal government was forced to redo consultation with First Nations after a unanimous Federal Court of Appeal quashed a 2016 approval “falling well below the mark” on meaningful consultation set by the Supreme Court of Canada.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Indigenous leaders, community groups, students rally against Trans Mountain pipeline ahead of cabinet decision

9 June 2019, Unceded Coast Salish Territory, (VANCOUVER, BC) — With little over a week left until the federal government makes its decision on the Trans Mountain pipeline and tanker project, Indigenous leaders and [add estimate number] supporters gathered in Vancouver to send a message to the Prime Minister and his Cabinet. Despite opposition from First Nations along the pipeline and tanker route, as well as the absurdity of building new fossil fuel infrastructure in a climate crisis, the federal government is expected to once again approve the pipeline.

June 6, 2019

Hon. John Horgan, MLA
Premier and President of the Executive Council
West Annex, Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC  V8V 1X4

Dear Premier Horgan:

Re: Embedding transparency and accountability in B.C. climate action

With the CleanBC plan, the B.C. government has committed to the development of a climate accountability framework. We are pleased this framework is a part of CleanBC, as accountability will help ensure the long-term success of the strategy; get B.C. on track to achieve its climate targets; fulfill Canada’s commitment to new relationship with Indigenous peoples based on the “recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership”; and reinstate the province as a global climate leader.

March 18, 2019

The Honorable George Heyman

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
PO Box 9047, Station Prov Gov
Victoria, BC V8W 9E2

Via Email: [email protected]

The Honorable Michelle Mungall
Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
PO Box 9060, Station Prov Gov
Victoria, BC, V8W 9E2
Via Email: [email protected]

Open Letter: UBCIC Urges BC to Address the Risks Orphan Gas and Oil Wells Pose to the Environment and Welfare of Citizens and First Nations

Dear Minister Heyman and Minister Mungall,

In light of Auditor General’s Report on The BC Oil and Gas Commission’s Management of Non-Operating Oil and Gas Sites, it has become apparent that the burgeoning oil and gas industry in this province continues to pose unacceptable risks to the environment and the well-being of British Columbian residents, including First Nations Peoples.

News Release

October 19, 2018

Talk is Cheap: UBCIC Demands Real Action on Climate Change from Federal Government

(Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, B.C. – October 19, 2018) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) calls shame on the Federal Government for the pitiful debate held in response to the International Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) report, released October 8th.

(Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, B.C. – November 29, 2016) Today, Canada approved the Kinder Morgan Trans-Mountain Expansion (TMX) pipeline and Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline, while dismissing the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline and committing to advance a tanker moratorium on the north coast of British Columbia.

“Indigenous peoples have known for thousands of years how to care for our planet. The rest of us have a lot to learn and no time to waste.” – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, speaking at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) in Paris, France, December 2015.