Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's energy deal with Alberta has sparked immediate opposition from First Nations, who have vowed to stop the proposed heavy oil pipeline to the Pacific coast. The deal, announced on Thursday alongside Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, aims to build a pipeline capable of carrying over a million barrels of oil per day from the oil sands to the coast.
The Haida Nation, whose consent is required for the project, has firmly rejected the plan. Gaagwiis, the Haida president, stated: 'This project is not going to happen.' He accused the federal government of jeopardising its honour by trying to push through the pipeline without proper consultation. 'There's absolutely nothing that can fully guarantee the safety of our communities from an oil spill,' he added.
Marilyn Slett, president of the Coastal First Nations, which includes the Haida, said the group has no interest in allowing tankers in coastal waters. 'We have zero interest in co-ownership or economic benefits of a project that has the potential to destroy our way of life,' she said. The deal has also faced criticism from British Columbia Premier David Eby, who noted the lack of private sector backing and First Nations support.
Despite the opposition, the deal has been welcomed by business groups and received a standing ovation from the Calgary chamber of commerce. Carney has promised to obtain full consent from First Nations and share any windfall, but the Haida remain unconvinced. The agreement also requires Alberta to raise industrial carbon pricing and invest in carbon capture, in exchange for exemptions from the coastal tanker moratorium and emissions cap.
