Heiltsuk Nation Responds to Erin O’Toole’s Support for Reviving Northern Gateway Pipeline

Press Release

BELLA BELLA, BRITISH COLUMBIA – (Aug. 30, 2021) – Marilyn Slett, Elected Chief of the Heiltsuk Nation, issued the following statement in response to Conservative Party of Canada leader Erin O’Toole’s recently announced support for reviving the Northern Gateway pipeline and oil tankers project:

“Coastal First Nations, including the Heiltsuk Nation, have fought for years against the Northern Gateway pipeline, and have supported the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act to protect our lands and waters for our children and grandchildren.

“We cannot support oil pipelines or oil tanker traffic. We have experienced first-hand what harm an oil spill can cause from a tugboat. In comparison, an oil spill from a supertanker would be unimaginable in terms of the devastation it would cause.

“The Conservative party’s campaign position that it would allow for another Northern Gateway project, is not justifiable. It denies our inherent and constitutional rights and title to safeguard our lands and waters for our future generations. It ignores the immediate threats of climate change. It fails to move us forward into a green economy.

“The answer is not to go backwards, as proposed by the Conservative party. The solution is to create an economy that protects and respects the environment for everyone.”

For more information, or to arrange interviews:

Andrew Frank
HTC Communications
604-367-2112

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