The life-sustaining waters of the northern Pacific coast of BC are crucial to the health of coastal communities, economies, cultures and livelihoods. For more than 50 years, there has been a consensus across multiple governments – including federal, BC and First Nations – that this region, sometimes referred to as the Great Bear Rainforest / Great Bear Sea, should be protected from the threat of oil tankers. This incredible region was legally protected from the threat of crude oil tankers with the passing of the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act in 2019.
Take action: Call your MLA and Premier Eby
From the West Coast Oil Ports Inquiry in the 1970s to the decade-long fight to defeat the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipelines and tankers project, to successful advocacy for legalizing the north coast tanker ban, West Coast Environmental Law has worked for decades alongside local residents, First Nations, provincial and federal governments, and allies to protect this region – and all British Columbians – from the threat of oil tankers and oil spills.
Now, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she wants to entice private companies to build a new north coast pipeline to export raw bitumen from Alberta to Asia by removing key federal environmental laws. She has her sights set on lifting Canada’s tanker ban law and allowing crude oil supertankers in these sensitive – and dangerous – inside coastal waters for the first time. And she claims it is in the “national interest” to do so.
Fortunately, BC Premier David Eby has joined Coastal First Nations in urging the federal government to stand firm and uphold the longstanding tanker ban.
On November 5th, Premier Eby stood alongside First Nation leaders to sign the North Coast Protection Declaration, affirming the BC government’s commitment to maintain this important law. This is especially important because Prime Minister Carney has said Canada “will not impose a project on a province” that refuses it, including a north coast pipeline and tankers project.
Let’s make sure the provincial government knows that British Columbians stand with them. Use the tool below to call your MLA and Premier Eby to thank the BC government for standing up for the coast – and let them know how much you support upholding the north coast tanker ban law.
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Top photo: BC Premier David Eby stands alongside Coastal First Nations leaders at the signing the North Coast Protection Declaration (Photo: BC Government / Creative Commons)