Premier David Eby Reaffirms Permanent Oil Tanker Ban on B.C.'s North Coast

PRINCE RUPERT, BC — British Columbia Premier David Eby delivered a major environmental and resource policy address in Prince Rupert, reaffirming the provincial government's unwavering commitment to the federal Oil Tanker Moratorium Act and permanently rejecting calls to lift marine crude tanker bans along the Great Bear Rainforest coastline.

Protecting Fragile Marine Ecosystems and Indigenous Waters

Premier Eby affirmed that B.C.’s northern coastal waters, pristine fjords, and lucrative wild salmon fisheries are ecologically irreplaceable and would face catastrophic devastation from a marine bitumen or crude oil spill. The Premier highlighted that British Columbia will continue expanding clean energy export infrastructure—including green hydrogen, renewable mass timber, and critical minerals through the Port of Prince Rupert—without compromising ocean protection.

Premier Eby declared that the northern oil tanker ban is non-negotiable, emphasizing that true economic prosperity must respect Indigenous sovereignty and protect coastal ecosystems for future generations.

Coastal First Nations and Marine Scientists Praise

Coastal First Nations and Haida Nation leadership strongly commended the Premier’s stance, affirming their inherent title and stewardship over coastal waters.

Commercial fishing and eco-tourism operators praised the permanent protection of Dixon Entrance and Hecate Strait.

Provincial Resource Policy Directive

The declaration will guide all provincial environmental assessment submissions regarding northern port developments.