News Release
July 3, 2026 

UBCIC Responds to Coordinated Government Push for Fossil Fuel Expansion in British Columbia

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – July 3, 2026) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is raising serious concerns following multiple announcements by the Governments of Canada, British Columbia and Alberta to accelerate major resource development, including increased support for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) infrastructure and a proposed oil pipeline corridor terminating at Roberts Bank. UBCIC questions if the proposed oil pipeline corridor has the consent of all impacted First Nations, and raises deep alarm over the irreversible climate impacts of the proposed projects, while celebrating the resolve of Coastal First Nations who have successfully kept the north coast out of a new pipeline route.

Last month, the UBCIC Chiefs Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-34 reaffirming its opposition to new oil pipeline and tanker projects transporting oil to and through British Columbia's Pacific Coast.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated, "Today's announcements demonstrate that governments remain committed to accelerating fossil fuel development without first addressing the rights and jurisdiction of the First Nations whose territories will be affected, or climate impacts. The governments are proposing to shift the proposed oil export route from British Columbia's north coast to the south coast while simultaneously increasing public investment in LNG development. Canada, BC and Alberta appear to be oblivious to the stark reality that increasing fossil fuel extraction and transmission will result in increasing greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures, and the resulting climate impacts that we are well aware of including floods and wildfires. We are extremely disappointed that these governments are effectively furthering the climate emergency rather than doing everything they can to stop it.”

Chief Councillor Linda Innes, UBCIC Vice-President, stated, "The decision to propose a southern route raises serious questions about what engagement has occurred with the First Nations whose territories would now be directly affected. If governments have accepted the longstanding opposition of Coastal First Nations on the North Coast, they cannot simply move the proposal south and expect a different outcome. First Nations cannot meaningfully assess impacts on their lands, waters and rights without knowing the precise route and scope of what is being proposed."

Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer, concluded, "For decades, Coastal First Nations have remained steadfast in protecting their territories and waters from increased oil tanker traffic. This leadership secured and continues to defend the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, and that commitment deserves recognition, not attempts to work around it. At the same time, increased public investment in LNG and other fossil fuel infrastructure sends the wrong message at a time when governments should be supporting climate action and respecting First Nations stewardship of our lands and waters."

UBCIC remains committed to working alongside affected First Nations to uphold their inherent and constitutionally protected title and rights and protect British Columbia's lands, waters and coast from pipeline projects.

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Media inquiries:
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314
Chief Councillor Linda Innes, Vice-President, 778-884-5663
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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