News Release
November 13, 2025

UBCIC Objects to Canada’s Latest Addition of B.C. LNG and Related Resource Developments to Major Projects List

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – November 13, 2025) Today, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that the Ksi Lisims LNG export terminal and the associated Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) pipeline in northwestern B.C.,  and the North Coast Transmission Line, along with four other projects across the country, are being referred to the Major Projects Office for consideration. These projects are being advanced under the One Canada Economy Act (OCEA), legislation that gives Ottawa sweeping authority to fast-track resource and infrastructure projects deemed to be “in the national interest.”

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated “UBCIC Chiefs have been clear from the outset that OCEA poses a grave threat to the recognition and implementation of First Nations’ inherent title and rights and to the protection of the lands and waters we are entrusted to care for. There are First Nations opposed to LNG whose territory the Ksi Lisims and North Coast Transmission Line will run through, and they stand to face the brunt of the impacts. The federal government has empowered itself to override proper environmental assessment and consultation processes in the name of economic growth. That is entirely inconsistent with its obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”

UBCIC Resolution 2025-24, Opposition to Bill C-5 and Call for Coordinated First Nations Response, warned that the legislation would allow the federal government to bypass meaningful consultation, weaken environmental safeguards, and substitute a ministerial “conditions document” for full assessment and review. Those concerns are now being realized as the government moves to accelerate large-scale fossil-fuel and extractive projects through the Major Projects Office.

“With this Act and the ongoing pursuit of LNG expansion in B.C., Canada is sending a clear message that corporate interests outweigh the climate, Indigenous rights, and the health of future generations,” said Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer. “Projects like Ksi Lisims and PRGT are not consistent with the principles of reconciliation or with the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels. The government must stop using legislation to silence our voices and start working with us toward a sustainable and just future.”

UBCIC has consistently and publicly opposed the expansion of the LNG industry through Resolution 2024-45 opposing the PRGT pipeline and made previous statements condemning the Ksi Lisims project due to the unacceptable environmental, cultural, and climate risks these projects pose to First Nations and all British Columbians. UBCIC calls on the federal government to immediately halt the use of the One Canada Economy Act to fast-track projects without the free, prior, and informed consent of all impacted First Nations, and to engage in transparent, rights-based processes consistent with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

First Nations across the country have also raised serious concerns about projects being pushed through the Major Projects Office. This week, the Dene Nation opposed the Peace River Nuclear Power Project, citing threats to their Treaty rights, waters, and community health. Their position reflects a broader alarm that the OCEA framework advances high-impact projects without the free, prior, and informed consent of affected First Nations. UBCIC stands with all Nations asserting their rights and protecting their lands and waters.

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Media inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314
Chief Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer, 250-957-7721

UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

For more information, please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca

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