Leaders of Coastal First Nations in B.C. say they felt Prime Minister Mark Carney heard their concerns about Alberta’s proposed northwest bitumen pipeline during a meeting Tuesday.

“We felt like he was listening,” said Coastal First Nations president Marilyn Slett. “He was attentive to hearing what we were saying, with his body language.” 

The group requested an in-person meeting with Carney last summer, and again in the fall as news of an impending energy deal between Alberta and the federal government ramped up. 

In the end, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ottawa and Alberta was signed without input from Coastal First Nations, even if the agreement could mean oil tanker traffic in their waters, where such vessels are currently banned.

As part of the MOU, the federal government says it could make “an appropriate adjustment to the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act” should the pipeline proposal receive a national interest designation under the Building Canada Act.

Haida Nation president Gaagwiis (Jason Alsop) said communities are grateful time Carney made time for an in-person meeting as he made his way to China for a high-stakes visit.

“He’s got a big job, and we feel like he showed respect today by making time to come here and see us face to face as we asked,” said Gaagwiis.

Ahead of the meeting, Carney told reporters the goal of today’s meeting was not to make a big announcement, but to make time for “dialogue, listening, and working.” 

Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson also participated in the meeting, and reportedly apologized previous comments suggesting Coastal First Nations could have discussed their concerns about the pipeline proposal over a zoom call.

‘This isn’t about money’

Gaagwiis and Slett said they were clear in communicating the importance of avoiding oil spills in the Hecate Strait, as communities rely on the clean waters for sustenance and for their conservation-led economy.

They maintained that no offer or incentive would change Coastal First Nations’ stance on the pipeline proposal, which would require a lift on the oil tanker ban in the region.

“This isn’t about money in this situation, it’s about the responsibility of looking after our territories,” he said. 

The meeting focused on “areas of alignment” between Coastal First Nations and the federal government, including the importance of boosting emergency response capabilities along the northwest B.C. coast as shipping traffic is set to soar in years to come.

Oil tanker ban in rough waters as an old fight surfaces on the B.C. coast

“We are not ready, the coast is not ready to respond to accidents and emergencies, it takes days,” said Gaagwiis. 

Coastal First Nations hope to have more in-person meetings with Carney and other top elected officials in months to come. 

Slett said if the northwest pipeline proposal moves ahead without the communities free, prior and informed consent, the group is ready to use “every tool in the tool box,” including litigation. 

She said Coastal First Nations are “reasonable” and “a very solution-based people” but they also have experience, determination and resilience when it comes to rejecting bitumen pipeline proposals along the coast, citing Northern Gateway as an example.