Carney to Meet Coastal First Nations on Resource Projects in B.C.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet with leaders from Coastal First Nations in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, on Tuesday to discuss planned natural resource developments in the region. The meeting comes amid growing concerns from Indigenous communities over proposed energy projects and follows tensions sparked by a recent federal-provincial energy agreement involving Alberta.

The talks are expected to focus on how Indigenous communities can become meaningful partners in large-scale resource projects, according to a senior government source. The meeting follows frustration expressed by Coastal First Nations late last year after they were not consulted ahead of an energy accord between Ottawa and Alberta that could pave the way for a new oil pipeline to the West Coast and potentially lift a long-standing oil tanker ban.

The meeting also takes place just before Carney embarks on an overseas trip to China, Qatar and Switzerland, aimed at diversifying Canada’s export markets and attracting foreign investment as trade relations with the United States remain strained. Accelerating domestic resource development has been positioned as a key pillar of that broader economic strategy.

Last year, the Carney government introduced a Major Projects Office to fast-track significant resource developments across the country. Thirteen projects, including several in British Columbia, have already been referred to the office. The government has repeatedly stated that Indigenous partnership is central to advancing these projects.

While some proposed developments, such as liquefied natural gas facilities, have received support from certain First Nations, Coastal First Nations leaders have strongly opposed any move to allow oil tankers along B.C.’s coast. The alliance has warned that support for future projects could erode if the federal government pursues pipeline plans without consent.

Coastal First Nations representatives are expected to speak to the media following Tuesday’s meeting. Discussions are also expected to cover marine conservation, environmental protection, and the role Indigenous communities can play in safeguarding coastal ecosystems while pursuing sustainable economic development.