Reject PNW LNG on Lelu Island

Northern British Columbia First Nations leaders, scientists, business owners, unions, university groups, and faith groups have signed on to a letter written by Lax Kw’alaams Hereditary Chief Yahaan (Donnie Wesley) calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Environment Minister Catherine McKenna to reject the Pacific Northwest (PNW) LNG plant proposed for Lelu Island and Flora Bank, and to cancel test-drilling at the site. Lelu Island is part of the Yahaan’s territory of the Gitwilgyoots. He and his supporters have occupied the island since August, turning away geotechnical contractors working for PNW LNG.

“PNW LNG is poised to cause irreparable damage to the second largest wild salmon run in Canada and potential catastrophe for the fisheries economy thousands of people depend on.”

Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition spokesman Greg Horne said “This is the first time that such widespread and unprecedented agreement has been reached in BC on LNG. From every corner of the province, we are all in agreement that Lelu Island and Flora Banks is the worst possible spot on the north coast to site an LNG facility.” Des Nobels, the Northern Outreach Coordinator for T. Buck Suzuki Environmental Foundation, said “Of all the thousands of miles of coastline, they chose the one location most critical for Skeena salmon.”

“We are asking the Federal Government to respect the decision of our nation to say no to this project,” said Chief Yahaan. Lax Kw’alaams unanimously turned down a $1 billion offer from Petronas for permission to build PNW LNG on Lelu Island. “We are calling on Prime Minister Trudeau to reject PNW LNG and stand with us and communities across the province to protect wild Skeena salmon for the sake of all future generations.”