Local First Nations leaders met with local governments and industry representatives at a marine safety round table in Prince Rupert.
Attending the meeting were Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond and Blackfish Enterprises Ltd. president Chris Sankey, among others.
Topics of discussion included emergency readiness, marine spill response, infrastructure protection, and marine safety. The parties also discussed priorities, questions, and next steps.
Several presentations covered the future of energy, port operations, corridor safety and integrity, spill response and rapid deployment, flood control and infrastructure protection, and tug assist services and marine safety.
Blackfish also provided an update on an Indigenous-led engagement process that was supported by Alberta and Albertan minister of Indigenous relations Rajan Sawney, who was not present at the meeting. While details of the engagement were not specified, it likely concerns Alberta’s bitumen pipeline proposal, as local First Nations would need to give consent before a project could proceed.
The discussions were “very productive,” Sankey said.
“Today was a very promising and positive day and a first step with First Nations leadership, government, and industry discussing marine safety and emergency response on the North Coast. Thanks to everyone who came out, shared their questions and, most importantly, their hopes for a prosperous future for our people.”
