Prime Minister Mark Carney meets with Coastal First Nations leadership in Prince Rupert
Updated with statements from Coastal First Nations and Gitga'at Nation
Second update: Statement from the Heiltsuk Nation
January 13, 2026 Official statement from Prime Mnister Mark Carney after meeting with First Nations leaders
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the President of the Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative (CFN), Chief K̓áwáziɫ Marilyn Slett, and leadership from the CFN. Their discussions focused on how the federal government and the CFN can work in partnership to strengthen marine conservation and ocean protection, and to build a strong and sustainable economy.
Our country is under threat, putting our economy, our sovereignty, and our way of life at risk. This is a rupture, not a transition. In a time of global uncertainty, Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control: building our strength at home and reliable partnerships abroad. We are working at pace to transform our economy, protect our environment and communities, and empower Canadians with greater security, prosperity, and opportunities. As a maritime nation, safeguarding our oceans and coastlines is not just a moral obligation – it is an economic necessity.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister committed to renewing funding for the Oceans Protection Plan Reconciliation Framework Agreement (RFA) in 2026-27 and directed ministers to work with all the RFA partners to present a five-year funding pathway by this spring. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to conserving 30% of Canada’s land and waters by 2030, including working with First Nations on identified Marine Protected Areas in the Great Bear Sea. To strengthen ocean protection, the government will also fund a Marine Traffic Risk Assessment study, extend the leases on two Emergency Towing Vessels (ETVs) until 2028, and ensure ETV capacity is consistent with shipping activity.
Canada borders three oceans and has the longest coastline in the world. Our prosperity, sovereignty, and way of life depend on healthy, safe, and accessible oceans. As we build major projects across Canada, we must do so sustainably, with respect to surrounding land and waters. By working in true partnership with Indigenous Peoples, we can protect what matters, create lasting opportunities, and build a stronger, more resilient Canada – for today and for future generations.
PRINCE RUPERT, BC (Jan. 13, 2026) – Marilyn Slett, President of the Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative and elected Chief of the Heiltsuk Nation, issued the following statement following a meeting between Coastal First Nations leadership, Lax Kw’alaams, the Haisla Nation, and Prime Minister Mark Carney in Prince Rupert, BC.
“Today, our leadership had a collaborative and productive meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. As the Rights and Title Holders of the Central and North Coast and Haida Gwaii, we remain steadfast in our position that oil tankers will never be part of our vision for a healthy, productive and sustainable North Coast.
“We are committed to upholding Bill C-48, the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, to safeguard our coast in the national interest of all Canadians. Prime Minister Carney has confirmed that the federal government, consistent with Canada’s legal obligations and its commitments to UNDRIP, will work with First Nations and seek our consent regarding any proposed projects within our territories, and that we will work together to develop a transparent process moving forward.
“Our Nations understand the economic challenges Canada is facing, which is why we are ready to help facilitate major projects that are built in partnership with Indigenous peoples, protect the environment, and will benefit all British Columbians. Our track record shows that when we work together, we can build forward-looking, innovative, and durable economic partnerships that benefit all Canadians.
“Northwest BC already represents 40 percent of the current, shovel-ready major projects announced by the federal government, which will result in a monumental increase in shipping of LNG and critical mineral exports in our waters.
“Protecting the coast means protecting thousands of jobs, hundreds of businesses, and billions in economic value that we have built up over the past 25 years. Together, we are planning for these increased risks by ensuring the appropriate investments are in place to ensure safe and reliable shipping in the coming years.
“The Central and North Coast and Haida Gwaii is not just the source of our current, economic livelihoods: it has been our home for thousands of years, and we look forward to working with the federal government to continue to protect and grow our coastal economy for generations to come.”
Gitga'at Nation
Facebook statement from Gitga'at Nation
