Mr. Speaker, the Liberals might try to dismiss these concerns, but the facts are clear: Coastal first nations have repeatedly warned that any move to weaken the oil tanker moratorium puts communities, ecosystems and sustainable local economies at risk.
If the government is engaging in closed-door talks about crude oil tanker traffic through the Great Bear Rainforest and Great Bear Sea without British Columbia or affected first nations at the table, it is a failure of transparency and reconciliation. This is not about partisanship; it is about safety, respect and responsible governance.
The teachers in Bella Coola and the Heiltsuk guardians show what true leadership looks like: protecting people and the environment before disaster strikes. Ottawa should follow that example, uphold its commitments and meet directly with British Columbia and coastal first nations rather than trying to negotiate exceptions behind closed doors.