In a surprising reversal, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, long-standing leader of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, has reversed his stance on the Northern Gateway pipeline project. This reversal marks a significant departure from his previous opposition to the pipeline, which aims to transport Alberta’s oil to the Pacific Ocean.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Phillip acknowledged his past resistance to the project, emphasizing the changing dynamics that now necessitate a reconsideration.
“I really fought against Northern Gateway’s construction before it was scuttled in 2016,” Phillip stated. “That was a different time, and Canada now has no choice but to reconsider.”
The shift in Phillip’s position comes amid escalating economic pressures and international trade tensions, particularly following the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently highlighted the urgency of diversifying Canada’s export markets in response to Trump’s threatened tariffs on Canadian exports.
“We’ve got to take down internal trade barriers between Canadian provinces, start looking at how we can do major nation-building projects to our East and West Coast,” Smith asserted during a virtual press conference from Washington, D.C. “Whether it’s Northern Gateway getting restarted in British Columbia or Energy East conversations getting started off the East Coast.”
“We are staring into the abyss of uncertainty right now with climate change, the climate crisis and the American threat,” Phillip remarked. He suggested that without robust infrastructure projects like Northern Gateway, Canada risks being vulnerable to external pressures that may disregard environmental considerations and the rule of law.
However, Phillip also emphasized the need for responsible development. “I think that we can do better. I think we need to do better,” he added, indicating a commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Prof. David Tindall of the University of British Columbia, an expert in environmental movements, expressed surprise at Phillip’s reversal, calling him “a central player” in the resistance against another major B.C. pipeline project, the Trans Mountain expansion, which was completed last year. He suggested that the shift in stance might reflect broader geopolitical influences, particularly the impact of the Trump administration on Canada’s energy strategies.
The recent change in Phillip’s position has prompted discussions among First Nations leaders about their role in national energy strategies. During a gathering between B.C.’s cabinet and the province’s First Nations leaders in Vancouver, leaders emphasized the necessity of their inclusion in any “Team Canada” approach to engage with the Trump administration.
Chief Cheryl Casimer, political executive of the First Nations Summit, and Terry Teegee, Regional Chief of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, both stressed that Indigenous communities have yet to be approached for collaboration on these initiatives.
Information for this story was found via Global News and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
