OTTAWA — Natural Resources and Energy Minister Tim Hodgson has issued an apology to the Coastal First Nations in British Columbia after suggesting they could meet virtually via Zoom to discuss their concerns about a proposed bitumen pipeline from Alberta to the West Coast. The comments were made during a television interview on Thursday, where Hodgson was asked about meeting with the leadership of the Coastal First Nations, which includes eight nations along B.C.'s coast and the Haida Nation from Haida Gwaii.

During the interview, host David Cochrane highlighted that the president of the Coastal First Nations, Marilyn Slett, was unable to attend a meeting in Vancouver due to the short notice of the invitation. In response, Hodgson remarked, "It’s called Zoom," adding with a smile, "I think that’s what we’re using, David."

By late Friday, Hodgson took to social media to express regret over his remarks. He wrote, "My comments last night about a virtual meeting with Coastal First Nations were a poor choice of words, which I regret. I have reached out to them directly to apologize and look forward to an in-person meeting at their convenience."

Slett responded to Hodgson's comments, calling them "deeply disrespectful" and indicative of a "complete lack of understanding of our communities." She emphasized that the Coastal First Nations have collaborated with various B.C. and federal governments on initiatives aimed at protecting the Great Bear Rainforest, creating jobs, and contributing to the economy. Slett stated, "We can only continue that work if we have productive relationships, grounded in respectful dialogue. We expect better from this government moving forward."

Hodgson's apology comes amid political tensions following a recent agreement between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, which aims to facilitate the construction of the pipeline. Carney has promoted the plan as a significant step toward establishing Canada as an "energy superpower" and has secured a commitment from Alberta to enhance its industrial carbon tax. However, some members of the B.C. Liberal caucus have raised concerns about the lack of consultation with both B.C. Premier David Eby and the Coastal First Nations prior to the agreement.

The Coastal First Nations have been vocal in their opposition to the government's consideration of lifting the oil tanker ban off B.C.'s coast, stating they "will never allow our coast to be put at risk of a catastrophic oil spill." Former Liberal environment minister Steven Guilbeault resigned in protest over the deal, citing similar concerns regarding the lack of consultation with Indigenous rights-holders.

In mid-October, the Coastal First Nations invited Hodgson to meet by the end of the month to discuss their concerns about the pipeline proposal. Hodgson initially declined, suggesting that the leadership speak with his chief of staff and senior officials instead. His office later reached out to invite the Coastal First Nations to a meeting in Vancouver on Friday, coinciding with Hodgson's meeting with Eby.

Hodgson's apology marks the second instance of a Liberal government official apologizing for comments in a week. Earlier, Carney also apologized for what he described as a "poor choice of words" regarding a question about his communication with U.S. President Donald Trump.