The president of B.C.'s Coastal First Nations alliance was unequivocal when asked if there is any possibility the group would consent to the federal government lifting the oil tanker ban in the area to allow a pipeline to be built from Alberta.

“No,” Heiltsuk Nation Chief Marilyn Slett answered.

Slett added that no one from the Alberta or federal government has asked local First Nations about their stance. Nevertheless, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has continually pushed the idea.

Slett has let B.C. know where the group stands, and said she was “encouraged” to hear Premier David Eby point this out to reporters in Ottawa on Thursday (Sept. 18).

“There’s no support from First Nations along the coast,” Eby said in Ottawa. “In fact, nobody’s talked to them, and this project is non-existent.”

Eby also took a shot at Smith, who formerly worked on behalf of oil and gas interests as a registered lobbyist.

“Premier Smith from Alberta, she’s an incredible advocate, because you would never guess that there is no private proponent, there is no money, there’s no project,” Eby said.