By Dave Branco

Pipeline split

Local leaders split as Ottawa and Alberta push pipeline deal forward

Nov 27, 2025 | 2:34 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – In Prince George, local leaders MLA Kiel Giddens and the Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Terry TeeGee weighed in on today’s big announcement.

During a ceremony in Calgary, the two leaders endorsed an agreement that commits Ottawa to adjusting the tanker ban along BC’s North coast. This is because the pipeline has been deemed a national-interest project, which includes opportunities for Indigenous co-ownership and economic benefits. But Regional Chief Terry Teegee is throwing cold water on the idea.

“ Many First Nations are still opposed to the type of project such as this, quite simply because of the risks.”

Chief Terry Teegee

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Regional Chief, British Columbia Assembly of First Nations

MLA Kiel Giddens says this political move would greatly benefit BC and would like Premier Eby to be part of what he calls Team Canada.

“ Premier Scott Moe and Daniel Smith are standing up. I’d like to see the B.C. Premier standing up for B.C.”

Kiel Giddens

Prince George-Mackenzie MLA (Con)

Earlier this week, Giddens posted on social media that pipelines and tanker ships are operating in other countries and that Canada can do the same.

This push comes as several First Nations in B.C. strongly oppose the pipeline. B.C. with BC Premier David Eby warned that loosening the tanker ban could jeopardize existing coastal projects and hard-won agreements with First Nations.

“ And if it’s fast-tracked, I think there’s going to be a lot of political discourse. There’s going to be a lot of activism from not just First Nations, I believe, Canadians and British Columbians.”

Chief Terry Teegee

Regional Chief, British Columbia Assembly of First Nations

The agreement signed Thursday says Ottawa and Alberta must engage with BC on pipeline development, though no specific timetable has been set.

Email: Dave.Branco@pattisonmedia.com

TikTok: @DaveBrancoVJ