VANCOUVER — British Columbia Premier David Eby joined leaders from several First Nations on Wednesday to advocate for the continuation of a ban on oil tankers in the province's northern waters. They signed a declaration urging the federal government to uphold the moratorium, which has been in place since 1985 and was reinforced by the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act in 2019.

The North Coast Protection Declaration emphasizes the potential economic and ecological devastation that could result from an oil spill in the region. Eby stated that such an incident could lead to billions of dollars in lost economic activity and irreparable damage to the environment. He remarked, "Lifting the ban makes absolutely no sense."

Marilyn Slett, president of the Coastal First Nations and chief councillor for the Heiltsuk First Nation, highlighted the importance of preserving the area. "It remains one of the richest and most productive ecoregions on earth. We want to continue to live our way of life connected to a healthy, intact ocean," she said.

The declaration was signed during the 10th B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering in Vancouver. It outlines the interconnectedness of the North Coast's environment and its economy, stating that local communities have sustained their economy through a multibillion-dollar conservation economy that supports thousands of jobs in fisheries, tourism, and renewable energy.

Concerns about the future of the tanker ban have intensified following the introduction of the federal government's Building Canada Act, which allows for the fast-tracking of major projects deemed in the national interest. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has been advocating for the repeal of the tanker ban to facilitate a new oil pipeline that would transport crude oil to the B.C. coast for export.

Eby emphasized the need to protect B.C.'s waters, stating, "We can’t allow the small minority of voices that are driving wedge politics in Alberta to drive the national conversation about what is a uniquely Canadian economy. This declaration is not a reaction to Alberta; this is a restatement of a consensus that has existed for 50 years along the North Coast."

The declaration also warns that repealing the tanker ban could jeopardize major projects and result in significant job losses and investment declines in B.C. Chief Jason Alsop of the Haida Nation expressed strong opposition to any pipelines or oil tankers near Haida Gwaii, stating there is "absolutely no support for pipelines" in the area.

The declaration was signed by Eby, Slett, Alsop, Lax Kw’alaams Mayor Garry Reece, Paula Amos of Indigenous Tourism B.C., and hereditary elder Clarence Innis. It calls on the federal government to maintain its commitment to the tanker ban, framing it as a national responsibility and a vital investment in Canada’s marine environment and future economic prosperity.