UBCIC Concerned that Approval of Ksi Lisims LNG Project Ignores Full Environmental Impacts, Lacks Consent

Press Release

September 18, 2025

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – September 18, 2025) On Monday September 15, the Province of B.C. and Canada announced they had granted an environmental assessment certificate for the Ksi Lisims LNG project despite the devastating climate impacts and strong opposition from neighbouring First Nations whose consent the Province failed to secure.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated, “The Province speaks about consent and being a climate leader, yet they approved the Ksi Lisims LNG project against the loud and principled opposition of many First Nations, healthcare and climate professionals. The Premier himself stated that the Pacific Northwest is a pristine ecological area yet proceeds to ram through a massive new fossil fuel export project and pipeline. There are Matriarchs, Youth, Elders, and many others standing strong to protect our land and laws from projects like this. In an era of climate catastrophes, this is a dangerous and short-sighted decision that gambles with our children’s future. I stand in solidarity with all those who are fighting to protect their people and territories from this destructive project. This is not reconciliation, this is a recipe for confrontation.”

The UBCIC Chiefs Council has passed Resolutions 2024-45 and 2021-55, stating opposition to the proposed Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) Pipeline that will supply Ksi Lisims, and calling for an end to the expansion of the LNG and fracking industry in B.C. due to unacceptable risks to the health and wellbeing of our communities and the impacts to the environment and climate.

“Climate change does not recognize territorial boundaries, which is why fossil fuel extraction including LNG, is extremely dangerous,” stated Chief Don Tom, UBCIC Vice-President. “There is nothing ‘natural’ about LNG extraction and transmission; millions of litres of precious water are necessary for fracking operations to produce LNG. Further, LNG produced in Canada is shipped to another country and produces emissions there when used, which impact the whole world. Canada and B.C. cannot claim reconciliation while simultaneously promoting massive resource extraction on our lands without our collective agreement. Exporting LNG under these conditions does not serve our peoples’ vision for self-determination, it serves the economic interests of foreign investors at the direct expense of our rights, our land, and our climate.”

“With the new federal Building Canada Act and provincial Renewable Energy (Streamlined Permitting) Act, and the Infrastructure Projects Act, Canada and B.C. have handed themselves the tools to sidestep First Nations title and rights in the name of fossil fuel projects like this,” said Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer. “How can we trust in a process where the government can change the rules, designate projects as ‘critical infrastructure,’ or in the national interest and override our voices? This new legislation is not about reconciliation or partnership; they are tools to be used by a colonial government that risk causing profound harm to our Nations and our way of life on our territories.”

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Media inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314

Chief Don Tom, Vice-President, 604-290-6083

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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