Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, issued an apology and retracted his earlier comments supporting the revival of the controversial Northern Gateway pipeline. Phillip initially suggested that, in light of potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports, Canada might need to reconsider projects like the Northern Gateway. However, he clarified his position, stating that the pipeline would have been harmful to the environment and reaffirming his longstanding opposition to such projects.
Phillip’s comments came in response to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s suggestion that the pipeline could be revived to diversify Canada’s export markets. While acknowledging the challenges posed by U.S. trade policies, Phillip emphasized that it should not lead to expanding fossil fuel infrastructure. Other First Nations leaders, including Chief Marilyn Slett of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, also voiced strong opposition, stressing the environmental risks and the need to continue resisting projects like Northern Gateway.
Despite the rising political rhetoric, leaders like Tara Marsden from the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs organization have called for a focus on transitioning away from fossil fuels rather than compromising environmental values.
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