CP NewsAlert: Chiefs vote to reject changes to B.C. coastal oil tanker ban

By Canadian Press on December 2, 2025.

OTTAWA — First Nations chiefs voted unanimously today to press the government to uphold the oil tanker ban off the northern British Columbia coast.

The chiefs also voted in favour of a resolution asking Ottawa to withdraw an agreement signed last week that clears a path for a new oil pipeline to the B.C. coast.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday to co-operate on energy, including the possibility of an exemption from the tanker ban.

The issue was the first topic up for debate today at the Assembly of First Nations’ meeting in Ottawa, where hundreds of chiefs are gathering to discuss issues affecting their communities.

More coming.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press