Canada is on the cusp of approving a new oil pipeline, sending shockwaves through coastal First Nations communities who fear another devastating environmental disaster. The proposed project would involve lifting a tanker ban that has been in place for nearly five decades, sparking outrage among indigenous leaders.
The Nathan E Stewart grounding in 2019 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of shipping oil through treacherous waters off British Columbia's central coast. A US-registered tugboat, the vessel suffered engine failure and ran aground on a reef, spilling an estimated 110,000 litres of diesel into the ocean. The incident left the local community reeling, with traditional harvesting sites closed and invasive species thriving in its aftermath.
For Heiltsuk Nation chief councillor Marilynn Slett, the prospect of another oil spill is too great to ignore. "People were devastated," she recalled, describing how elders were overcome with emotion as news of the grounding spread. "The spill contaminated our primary harvesting sites, causing immediate economic loss that are still ongoing today."
Slett's concerns are shared by other coastal First Nations, who have long opposed the lifting of the tanker ban. The move would put thousands of people at risk of harm from oil spills, which could devastate delicate ecosystems and communities that rely on them for livelihoods.
Rick Steiner, a veteran environmentalist, echoed these sentiments, stating that it is "spectacularly dangerous" to consider shipping oil through an already hazardous region. "It should not see the light of day," he warned.
The proposed pipeline project has gained significant traction under Prime Minister Mark Carney's government, which aims to boost Alberta's energy exports. However, critics argue that the risks associated with lifting the tanker ban far outweigh any potential economic benefits.
David Eby, BC's premier, expressed similar concerns, stating that scrapping the tanker ban would be a "grave mistake". He warned that First Nations communities might rapidly withdraw their support for the pipeline if the federal government proceeds with lifting the ban.
For Slett and her community, the issue is not just about economics but also cultural preservation. They argue that existing maritime law does not provide adequate compensation for cultural losses, including the loss of traditional knowledge transmission.
As the debate rages on, coastal First Nations remain resolute in their opposition to the proposed pipeline project. For them, the risks associated with shipping oil through treacherous waters are simply too great to ignore. "We just cannot accept this risk to our community after seeing what can happen," Slett declared. "We can't. And we won't."
The Nathan E Stewart grounding in 2019 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of shipping oil through treacherous waters off British Columbia's central coast. A US-registered tugboat, the vessel suffered engine failure and ran aground on a reef, spilling an estimated 110,000 litres of diesel into the ocean. The incident left the local community reeling, with traditional harvesting sites closed and invasive species thriving in its aftermath.
For Heiltsuk Nation chief councillor Marilynn Slett, the prospect of another oil spill is too great to ignore. "People were devastated," she recalled, describing how elders were overcome with emotion as news of the grounding spread. "The spill contaminated our primary harvesting sites, causing immediate economic loss that are still ongoing today."
Slett's concerns are shared by other coastal First Nations, who have long opposed the lifting of the tanker ban. The move would put thousands of people at risk of harm from oil spills, which could devastate delicate ecosystems and communities that rely on them for livelihoods.
Rick Steiner, a veteran environmentalist, echoed these sentiments, stating that it is "spectacularly dangerous" to consider shipping oil through an already hazardous region. "It should not see the light of day," he warned.
The proposed pipeline project has gained significant traction under Prime Minister Mark Carney's government, which aims to boost Alberta's energy exports. However, critics argue that the risks associated with lifting the tanker ban far outweigh any potential economic benefits.
David Eby, BC's premier, expressed similar concerns, stating that scrapping the tanker ban would be a "grave mistake". He warned that First Nations communities might rapidly withdraw their support for the pipeline if the federal government proceeds with lifting the ban.
For Slett and her community, the issue is not just about economics but also cultural preservation. They argue that existing maritime law does not provide adequate compensation for cultural losses, including the loss of traditional knowledge transmission.
As the debate rages on, coastal First Nations remain resolute in their opposition to the proposed pipeline project. For them, the risks associated with shipping oil through treacherous waters are simply too great to ignore. "We just cannot accept this risk to our community after seeing what can happen," Slett declared. "We can't. And we won't."
! I mean, think about it - we've seen what happens when oil spills in the ocean before, like that awful incident with the Nathan E Stewart in 2019 
. It's devastating for the communities and the environment. And now they're considering lifting the tanker ban, which would just put everyone at risk 
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. They have a right to say no to this project, especially since they're already dealing with all these environmental issues. I hope our leaders will listen to them and reconsider this decision 
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Anyway, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that common sense prevails here 
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. It's like, they're already living in a delicate balance with nature, and then you add oil shipping into the mix? No thanks! 
The Nathan E Stewart incident was a wake-up call for sure, and it's crazy that we're even considering lifting the tanker ban again 
. This is a huge concern for me, and I hope the government listens to the communities' concerns 
. We can't keep putting our oceans at risk like this! 
I totally get why coastal First Nations communities are freaking out about the proposed pipeline project. The Nathan E Stewart grounding in 2019 was a huge wake-up call for them, and it's crazy that they're facing the possibility of another disaster. 
It's not just about the environmental risks; it's also about cultural preservation and the economic impact on their communities. I think governments need to listen more to the concerns of indigenous leaders like Marilynn Slett and take a more nuanced approach to energy development. 
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, especially the Heiltsuk Nation 
