OTTAWA — The president of the Coastal First Nations in British Columbia declared on Wednesday that an oil pipeline to the province's north coast "will never happen." Marilyn Slett criticized the federal government for negotiating with Alberta regarding a potential pipeline deal without involving First Nations.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to announce details of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Alberta government about the pipeline project during his visit to Calgary on Thursday. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has referred to a "grand bargain" that would advance the Pathways Alliance carbon capture project alongside the proposed oil pipeline to the B.C. coast. Smith indicated that Alberta plans to submit a pipeline proposal to the federal Major Projects Office in the spring.

Slett, whose group represents nearly a dozen First Nations along the B.C. coast, expressed frustration over what she described as a "wall of silence" from the federal government regarding the pipeline discussions. She stated, "Such conduct is not honourable and is fundamentally at odds with Canada’s constitutional, legislative and international obligations to coastal First Nations."

She emphasized that the MOU's details should not infringe upon their inherent and constitutional rights or their deep respect for the ocean. Carney acknowledged in the House of Commons that any pipeline project to the Pacific coast requires agreement from both B.C. and First Nations. He noted that the MOU would outline "necessary conditions but not sufficient conditions" for the project, indicating that further discussions are needed to gain support from the provincial government and First Nations.

B.C. Premier David Eby conveyed to Carney during a phone call on Monday that it was "unacceptable" for Ottawa and Alberta to negotiate a potential pipeline through his province without his government's involvement. Energy Minister Tim Hodgson stated that the federal government would engage with the B.C. government "in short order" and highlighted that B.C. has benefited significantly from Ottawa's support for major projects.

In its recent budget, the Carney government committed to strengthening the industrial carbon price and enhancing regulations to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. Smith has also expressed willingness to consider adjustments to Alberta's carbon pricing system as part of ongoing negotiations with Ottawa.

This report was first published on November 26, 2025.