Advancing LNG Risks B.C.’s Economy and Environment: Independent CleanBC Review is Roadmap to Climate Action

Press Release

November 26, 2025

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – November 26, 2025) The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is calling on the Province to implement the priorities in the CleanBC review final report, released today, and re-commit to strong climate policy for British Columbians.

The independent CleanBC review by Merran Smith and Dan Woynillowicz carefully articulates a path forward in B.C. for advancing the economy and creating jobs while also addressing the climate emergency. Importantly, the report outlines the serious risks that LNG development will have on the economy, and our collective climate goals, and that advancing new LNG projects, and increased gas production and transportation to supply them, would negate reductions from other sectors. The review  includes recommendations on accelerating clean electricity production and electrification, making it easier for British Columbians to cut energy bills and climate pollution, leveraging our clean energy advantage, supporting industries in becoming cleaner, and focusing on delivering effective and achievable outcomes. In addition, as a priority action the Province must deepen partnerships with First Nations and align climate policy in B.C. with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (the Declaration Act).

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated, “We recognize the inherent risk climate change poses, and know that First Nations will disproportionately bear the brunt of its impacts. We see the shift happening around us and around the world with the growth in renewable energy. We thank Merran and Dan for their work on this monumental task. The Province needs to act on this report to do more and do it faster. We can clearly see that the expansion of LNG in B.C. is a risk to other economic activities and our electrification goals- there is no “clean” LNG, and certainly nothing natural about LNG production. I do not want the government to gamble with our future generations’ prosperity on an industry that we aren’t even sure will be viable over the next decade, the risk is not acceptable.”

“We need a government that takes climate change seriously. There needs to be climate considerations in every choice that we are making,” said Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer. “Our Nations are on the front line of climate change, we want sustainable buildings, transportation, and electricity. We are leading in these fields, and the government must continue to meet its climate obligations, including with First Nations. The independent review is appropriately titled “Rising to the Moment” to signify that B.C. has an opportunity to acknowledge their shortcomings and reignite their commitment to a just transition. The CleanBC report proves now, more than ever, that we do not have any room to keep polluting by adding a new oil pipeline such as Danielle Smith and Canada are currently bargaining.

The UBCIC has passed multiple resolutions calling on Canada and B.C. to meet their climate obligations under the Paris Agreement, including limiting the global temperature increase to below 2 degrees Celsius and peaking our emissions as soon as possible, and work towards a just transition away from fossil fuels.

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Media inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314
Chief Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer, 250-957-7721

UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

For more information, please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca

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