B.C. secures North Coast tanker ban in federal prosperity agreement with First Nations backing
Premier Eby celebrates deal protecting marine ecosystem worth $3 billion annually. Oil tanker moratorium continues without modification; Great Bear Rainforest conservation jobs model cited.
Sources · BC Government News
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British Columbia has secured protection for its North Coast in a new Canada–B.C. Cooperative Prosperity Agreement with the federal government, keeping heavy oil tankers off the region's pristine waters.
The deal will continue the oil tanker ban and safeguard a sustainable marine economy that generates more than $3 billion annually. Premier David Eby joined coastal First Nations leaders to celebrate the agreement, which ensures the tanker ban will be kept in place without modification.
"By standing alongside northern residents and coastal First Nations to keep the tanker ban in place for all British Columbians, we're not just protecting one of the world's most sensitive marine ecosystems, we're also defending thousands of jobs and the local economies that depend on a healthy coast," Eby said.
Marlyn Slett, president of Coastal First Nations–Great Bear Initiative and elected Chief of the Heiltsuk Nation, commended the provincial government for reaffirming its commitment. "Northwest B.C. is home to one-third of the major projects announced over the past year, which significantly increase shipping traffic through the North Coast. Together, we can build durable economic partnerships, invest in the infrastructure needed to ensure safe and reliable shipping, and protect our environment," Slett said.
B.C. has recommitted to working with First Nations partners and the federal government to make investments in the North Coast based on economic growth through strong partnerships, responsible development and shared opportunity. The Great Bear Rainforest conservation agreements have created more than 1,400 permanent jobs and 140 businesses, demonstrating that environmental protection and economic growth go hand in hand. The Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, passed federally in 2019, formalized a longstanding commitment to protect the region from risks associated with crude oil spills, prohibiting oil tankers carrying more than 12,500 metric tons of crude oil or persistent oil products from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations on the North Coast.
How much federal funding will actually be invested in North Coast businesses and communities, and over what timeframe?
Which specific First Nations were part of this celebration and what did they negotiate for their communities?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
How much does the North Coast's sustainable marine economy generate annually?
The North Coast's sustainable marine economy generates more than $3 billion annually.
How many permanent jobs has Great Bear Rainforest conservation created?
Great Bear Rainforest conservation agreements have created more than 1,400 permanent jobs and 140 businesses.
What size oil tankers does the moratorium prohibit on the North Coast?
The Oil Tanker Moratorium Act prohibits oil tankers carrying more than 12,500 metric tons of crude oil or persistent oil products from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations on the North Coast.
