Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit Coastal First Nations in northern B.C. before embarking on his trip to China, as confirmed by a government official speaking to CBC News anonymously. The meeting is expected to address various topics, including ongoing major projects in the region and the collaboration between the federal government and Indigenous communities to ensure sustainable project development.
Carney will depart late on Monday and engage with Coastal First Nations on Tuesday, focusing on shared priorities such as marine conservation, ocean protection, and empowering Indigenous groups to take the lead in these initiatives. Accompanying Carney on the visit will be Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, Housing Minister Gregor Robertson, and B.C. Liberal MP Wade Grant.
Following the meeting, Carney will embark on an eight-day journey that includes visits to China, Qatar, and Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum. Notably, Prince Rupert is in proximity to the proposed Ksi Lisims liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in northern B.C., a key project earmarked for expedited permitting and approval by the federal government.
The LNG facility, which aims to export 12 million tonnes of LNG annually to Asian markets, is a collaborative effort with the Nisga’a Nation but faces legal challenges from other First Nations. Coastal First Nations have adamantly opposed the potential oil pipeline to the North Coast of B.C., despite a memorandum of understanding signed between Ottawa and Alberta, which outlines a route for the pipeline and the removal of an oil tanker ban along B.C.’s North Coast. Coastal First Nations remain steadfast in their stance that the pipeline project will not proceed.