The tanker ban zone doesn't include Stewart BC, or Vancouver, just sayin'
A collaborative project designed to provide information about marine biodiversity and human activity in BC's marine waters.
bcmca.ca
The Port of Stewart is the most northerly ice-free port located in one of the most mineral rich regions in North America.
districtofstewart.com
Further to....
en.wikipedia.org
The
Eagle Spirit Energy Pipeline is a proposed $16-billion, 1,500-kilometre pipeline project designed to carry up to two million barrels of crude oil per day from Alberta to the West Coast. It is championed by
Calvin Helin, a member of the Lax Kw’alaams First Nation, and is backed by the Aquilini Investment Group.
Key details regarding the project, Lax Kw'alaams, and Hyder, Alaska, include:
- Project Goal: The pipeline is designed to transport "upgraded" or synthetic crude oil—which is easier to clean up than diluted bitumen—from Fort McMurray to the West Coast, aiming to be the "greenest on the planet".
- The Hyder, Alaska Alternative: Due to the Canadian federal government's Bill C-48 (the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act), which bans oil tankers on the northern B.C. coast, the project has explored routing to Hyder, Alaska, as an alternative to avoid the ban.
"If the court challenge fails, Eagle Spirit Energy has a plan to avoid the tanker moratorium entirely, Calvin Helin says.
He said the group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a landowner across the U.S. border in Hyder, Alaska. The tiny town wants to host the pipeline as an alternative location for the port terminal, Helin said."
Calvin Helin
, a lawyer, author, and President/Chairman of
Eagle Spirit Energy Holdings Ltd., has been a key Indigenous voice advocating for natural resource development, particularly in collaboration with Alberta's, and specifically Danielle Smith's, vision for energy projects.
Based on recent developments in 2025-2026, here are the key details regarding his involvement:
- Pipeline Vision & Partnership: Helin has spearheaded the Eagle Spirit Energy Corridor, a project aimed at building a pipeline from Alberta to the B.C. coast, with support from dozens of First Nations, designed to counter the federal tanker ban (Bill C-48) and provide Indigenous economic sovereignty.
- Alignment with Danielle Smith: Helin has collaborated with the UCP government, advocating for a "Pipeline West" initiative, which aligns with Premier Danielle Smith’s focus on challenging federal environmental regulations (such as Bill C-69 and C-59) to accelerate energy infrastructure.
- 2025 Policy Support: Helin was featured in discussions regarding policy suggestions for 2025 and beyond, specifically advocating for the repeal of federal bills that block projects, and supporting the "Greenlight LNG" initiatives to sell Canadian gas to Asian and European markets.
- Advocacy Position: Helin argues that Indigenous-led projects are essential for Canada's energy future, stressing that meaningful consultation and equity ownership are critical, rather than viewing Indigenous communities as an afterthought.
His work is focused on transitioning Indigenous communities from "economic dependency" to "self-reliance" through the ownership of resource projects.
....
Indigenous response to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) announced by Alberta Premier
Danielle Smith
and4 Federal Minister
Mark Carney
on November 27, 2025, regarding a new pipeline to the B.C. coast was divided, featuring support from some Alberta-based industry-aligned groups and strong opposition from many British Columbia (B.C.) First Nations.
Key Indigenous Supporters (Present at Announcement)
At the news conference following the signing, Premier Smith highlighted the presence of several leaders from Alberta-based communities, indicating support for the economic potential of the project:
- Dave Lamouche
: President of the Métis Settlement General Council.
- Chief George Arcand Jr.: Alexander First Nation (stated it is an "excellent opportunity to demonstrate partnership and progress").
- Chief Cody Thomas: Enoch Cree Nation
- Chief Tony Alexis: Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation.
- Chief Kelsey Jacko: Cold Lake First Nation.
- Chief Delbert Wapass: Thunderchild First Nation (Saskatchewan).
- Loretta Waquan
: President of Fort McKay Métis Nation (welcomed the MOU, highlighting the potential for jobs, skills training, and own-source revenues for housing and education).
- Chris Sankey
: Former Lax Kw'alaams councillor (represented B.C. interests).
www.theglobeandmail.com
