November 9, 2015

Today the Wilderness Committee and nearly 80 other groups and activists backed an open letter addressed to the newly appointed Prime Minister– including First Nations chiefs, environmental organizations, and scientists – to reject the Pacific Northwest (PNW) LNG project proposed for Lelu Island, which is part of the Lax Kw’alaams traditional territory in the estuary of the Skeena River.  Sm’ooyget Yahaan (Donald Wesley), a Lax Kw’alaams tribal chief, is urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Environment Minister Catherine McKenna to safeguard one of the world’s largest and most intact wild salmon runs in the Skeena River.

The Lax Kw’alaams, as well as all other First Nations communities that rely on Skeena salmon, were not consulted in the decision by Petronas and their partners – who were advised by Prince Rupert Port Authority, a federal agency without provincial or local oversight – to site a massive LNG facility near the ecologically sensitive Flora Banks off Lelu Island. In early May, following presentations by Petronas and independent science teams in three different locations, the Lax Kw’alaams unanimously rejected an offer of $1.15 billion from Petronas to buy their support. 

Failing to buy First Nations consent, Petronas ploughed ahead anyways and shortly after received the BC Government’s stamp of approval in Legislature. Now the decision rests on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) approval, which is the final major permit this project needs before it can proceed under Canadian and BC law. The CEAA is expected to issue its final ruling by late February 2016.

If the new federal government intends to honor its commitment to reframe Canada’s relationship with First Nations, and their commitment to the UN Declaration on Indigenous Rights, this project cannot be approved.  We stand in solidarity with the Lax Kw’alaams to protect their traditional territory from this unwarranted project to ensure the survival of wild salmon for future generations to enjoy.  

To read the open letter, click here >>

Top Photo: Lelu Island, proposed site of Pacific Northwest LNG (Brian Huntington)