Overview
- An emergency resolution at the AFN special assembly passed by consensus, reaffirming the northern B.C. oil tanker moratorium and calling for the immediate withdrawal of the Canada–Alberta agreement.
- The Nov. 27 MOU signed by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith backs work toward a bitumen pipeline to B.C. tidewater and contemplates adjusting the tanker ban if strict conditions are met.
- Chiefs rooted their opposition in rights and climate obligations, pressing governments to uphold UNDRIP and recognize the climate emergency.
- Addressing chiefs after the vote, Carney said his office has requested a meeting with Coastal First Nations and promised to introduce First Nations drinking water legislation in the spring.
- Tensions over consultation intensified after Energy Minister Tim Hodgson’s “It’s called Zoom” remark about coastal leaders’ participation, for which he later apologized.