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 calling on Ottawa to withdraw an agreement signed last week that clears a path for a new oil pipeline to the B.C. coast.

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

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.

Chief Donald Edgars of Old Massett Village in Haida Gwaii put forward the resolution calling on chiefs to affirm support for the oil tanker ban, and to support First Nations in B.C. in their opposition to a potential pipeline.

Carney will address the group later Tuesday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 2, 2025.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press