Canada Rejects Pipeline Deal Amid Indigenous Opposition
A landmark energy deal between Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has hit a snag, with First Nations leaders vowing to block plans for a new heavy oil pipeline reaching from the province's oil sands to the Pacific coast.
Gaagwiis, president of the Haida Nation, who won recognition of their land rights in 2022, declared that "this project is not going to happen." He warned that if the government proceeds with the plan, it would put the crown's honour at risk and damage Canada's reputation as a nation committed to reconciliation.
Marilyn Slett, president of Coastal First Nations, echoed Gaagwiis' sentiments, stating that her group has "zero interest" in allowing tankers in coastal waters. The pipeline project, which could carry over a million barrels per day, is seen as a threat to the very way of life of the Haida Nation and other coastal communities.
Carney's government had promised to obtain full consent from First Nations on any proposed pipeline projects but appears to have fallen short. Gaagwiis noted that there was nothing that could guarantee the safety of his community from an oil spill, and therefore, no amount of persuasion would convince him otherwise.
The deal has been met with enthusiasm in Alberta, where business groups hail it as a major step towards economic cooperation and reduced tension. However, recent polling shows that Canadians are divided on the issue, with many opposing the pipeline due to concerns about climate change and environmental impact.
Critics argue that Carney's plan is a "dumpster fire" of a climate agreement, which signals a commitment to fossil fuels rather than transitioning to renewable energy sources. Jessica Green, a political science professor, said: "Call a spade a spade: if you want to double down on fossil fuels, at least have the guts to say it out loud."
The decision comes as Canada faces a protracted trade war with the US and economic uncertainty. Green noted that without the trade war, the economy might not be experiencing the same level of strain.
For the Haida Nation and other coastal First Nations, the threat of a pipeline is not just about climate policy but about preserving their way of life and respecting their relationship with the ocean. Gaagwiis warned that losing an entire ecosystem could collapse in the event of a spill, leading to devastating consequences for his community.
A landmark energy deal between Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has hit a snag, with First Nations leaders vowing to block plans for a new heavy oil pipeline reaching from the province's oil sands to the Pacific coast.
Gaagwiis, president of the Haida Nation, who won recognition of their land rights in 2022, declared that "this project is not going to happen." He warned that if the government proceeds with the plan, it would put the crown's honour at risk and damage Canada's reputation as a nation committed to reconciliation.
Marilyn Slett, president of Coastal First Nations, echoed Gaagwiis' sentiments, stating that her group has "zero interest" in allowing tankers in coastal waters. The pipeline project, which could carry over a million barrels per day, is seen as a threat to the very way of life of the Haida Nation and other coastal communities.
Carney's government had promised to obtain full consent from First Nations on any proposed pipeline projects but appears to have fallen short. Gaagwiis noted that there was nothing that could guarantee the safety of his community from an oil spill, and therefore, no amount of persuasion would convince him otherwise.
The deal has been met with enthusiasm in Alberta, where business groups hail it as a major step towards economic cooperation and reduced tension. However, recent polling shows that Canadians are divided on the issue, with many opposing the pipeline due to concerns about climate change and environmental impact.
Critics argue that Carney's plan is a "dumpster fire" of a climate agreement, which signals a commitment to fossil fuels rather than transitioning to renewable energy sources. Jessica Green, a political science professor, said: "Call a spade a spade: if you want to double down on fossil fuels, at least have the guts to say it out loud."
The decision comes as Canada faces a protracted trade war with the US and economic uncertainty. Green noted that without the trade war, the economy might not be experiencing the same level of strain.
For the Haida Nation and other coastal First Nations, the threat of a pipeline is not just about climate policy but about preserving their way of life and respecting their relationship with the ocean. Gaagwiis warned that losing an entire ecosystem could collapse in the event of a spill, leading to devastating consequences for his community.
It's not just about climate change and environmental impact, it's about respecting Indigenous peoples' rights and preserving their way of life. The fact that they're trying to jam it through without full consent from the Haida Nation is a major red flag. I mean, what kind of government ignores its own commitments to reconciliation? 
Gaagwiis is right, if the gov't proceeds with this project, it's going to damage Canada's rep and put its honour at risk. Can't we just pivot towards renewable energy already?! 
. Like, I get it, economic growth is important, but can't we find ways to balance that with taking care of our planet? 
The Haida Nation's concerns are totally valid - their way of life is literally tied to the ocean and disrupting that would be disastrous. And let's be real, climate change isn't just some distant threat, it's already here and affecting us all. 
I'm not surprised Canadians are divided on this issue, but if we're really committed to reconciliation with Indigenous communities, then we need to listen to their concerns and prioritize their safety above profits. 
i feel bad 4 gaagwiis & marilyn slett who r trying 2 protect their lands & culture 
u can't just disregard someone's way of life & expect them 2 be okay w/ it 
canada needs 2 take a hard look at its climate policies & prioritize the environment & native communities' rights 
. Mark Carney's plan is like, totally not inclusive at all 
! The Haida Nation and other coastal First Nations are literally fighting for their lives here 
. I mean, what even is the point of having a pipeline if u can't get consent from the ppl who are gonna be affected by it? It's like, basic human rights 101 
. And don't even get me started on climate change... I'm like, totally serious, we need to switch to renewable energy ASAP 
. This deal is a total dumpster fire and I'm so here for the Haida Nation standing up against it 
!
. I mean, can you imagine livin' right next to a massive oil spill and watchin' your way of life disappear? 
It's not just about the environment, it's about preservin' their culture and connection with nature. The fact that Canada promised to get consent from Indigenous peoples on pipeline projects but still moved forward without it is just crazy talk 
. I think Canada needs to take a step back and re-think its priorities – is economic growth really worth puttin' the planet's future at risk? 
. The climate change thing is super important, but it's not just about that - it's about preserving their culture and way of life 
It's about time they prioritize Indigenous rights and safety over corporate interests. The Haida Nation's got some serious concerns about protecting their land, way of life, and ocean - we gotta listen to them! 
I mean, it's not just about climate change; it's about respecting the delicate balance of nature. Can't let fossil fuels win this round, fam! 
. I mean, I get it, economic growth is important, but at what cost? The Haida Nation and other coastal communities have been fighting for their rights for years, and it feels like no one's listening 
. And honestly, I'm not surprised that Canadians are divided on this issue - we've seen time and time again that politics is all about compromise 
. It's not just about rejecting fossil fuels, but about creating a new economic model that benefits everyone, not just the wealthy elite 
. Anything less would be a failure of leadership and a betrayal of the trust placed in the government by its citizens 
. I mean, I get that climate change is a big deal and all, but at what cost? The Haida Nation has been fighting for their land rights for years, and now they're being asked to compromise on something that could literally destroy their way of life 
. They should be working on solutions not pushing a project that could harm entire ecosystems. And to think this happened right after they said they were committed to reconciliation 
. We need more voices like Gaagwiis speaking out against these projects, instead of just pretending everything is fine 
And don't even get me started on the environmental impact... climate change is real, folks!