Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson issued an apology to the Coastal First Nations for his poor choice of words in relation to a proposed meeting in Vancouver. Hodgson had offered to meet with the group of nine First Nations, who oppose a bitumen pipeline to the northern B.C. coast, following an agreement signed by Ottawa and Alberta aimed at advancing the project.
Despite concerns raised by the group’s president, Marilyn Slett, over the short notice of the meeting invitation, Hodgson dismissed the issue, suggesting a virtual meeting using Zoom technology. Hodgson later expressed regret for his remarks and reached out to the group to apologize, emphasizing his willingness to have an in-person meeting at their convenience.
In response to Hodgson’s initial comments, Slett criticized them as disrespectful and indicative of a lack of understanding of their communities. Slett highlighted the collaborative efforts between Coastal First Nations and the federal and B.C. governments on environmentally significant projects in the Great Bear Rainforest and Sea, emphasizing the importance of respectful and productive relationships for future engagements.
Following the backlash, Hodgson acknowledged his misstep and reiterated his commitment to meeting the group in person, signaling a willingness to engage constructively moving forward.