News Release
October 1, 2025

Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Opposes New Oil Pipeline Proposals to B.C.’s North Coast

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – October 1, 2025) The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is responding to reports that the Alberta government will head an application for a new oil pipeline to the North Coast of B.C. alongside Enbridge Inc., South Bow Corp, and the Trans Mountain Corp. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated that she expects to see a new bitumen pipeline on the federal government’s next list of major projects approved under recently passed federal fast-tracking legislation, One Canadian Economy Act, comprised of two separate pieces of legislation that were enacted together, the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated, "Any proposal to ram a new oil pipeline through to B.C.'s North Coast is a direct assault on the inherent and constitutionally protected title and rights of the First Nations who steward these lands and waters. This is a blatant attempt to tear up the legislated federal North Coast Tanker Ban that defends one of the world's most pristine and rich coastal ecosystems from disaster. To even entertain this idea shows a profound disrespect for both First Nations law and the will of the people who live there, as well as a total disregard for the climate emergency. Expanding fossil fuel production through a new oil pipeline would be disastrous for greenhouse gas emissions and flagrantly risks environmental devastation in the event of a spill.”

"Our communities have already participated in years of consultation through the National Energy Boards joint review panel, and the conclusion was clear we did not support this project then and we don’t support it now," said Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer. "We are not just protecting our territory, we are defending a global treasure from a catastrophic spill that would devastate the region for generations. The federal government must immediately and unequivocally reaffirm the Tanker Ban and put this dangerous proposal to rest. No federal legislation including the Building Canada Act should be used to sidestep Canada’s duty to obtain the free, prior, and informed consent of our Nations.”

The UBCIC has consistently called on Canada to meet its climate obligations, including limits for emissions called for in the Paris Agreement, and stop the further expansion of fossil fuel production and exportation.

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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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