Following the conclusion of the Wiggus Respect table discussions between the Government of British Columbia and the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs on Feb. 4 2020, Coastal GasLink issued the following statement:
“Coastal GasLink appreciates the time, effort and energy taken by Minister Scott Fraser and his staff, the Hereditary Chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en and liaison Nathan Cullen to try and find a peaceful resolution to the issues at hand.
We are disappointed that discussions have ended without a resolution that would prevent the enforcement of the Interlocutory Injunction.
Coastal GasLink has had our senior leadership team in Smithers since Sunday to meet with the Hereditary Chiefs if required.
Unfortunately, we were unable to meet with the Chiefs.
Coastal GasLink has supported Mr. Cullen in his role as liaison to find common ground. This included the concept of a renewed access protocol which was signed between the Unist’ot’en and Coastal GasLink last year, or a further period of discussion between government and the Hereditary Chiefs that would allow for construction and continued dialogue.
As communicated last week, Coastal GasLink needs to quickly resume construction activities in the area to meet our commitments to LNG Canada, the Province of British Columbia, our Indigenous partners, local communities and the many workers who depend on the opportunities our project provides.
Today, there are over 1,000 people working across northern British Columbia on our project. Hundreds more are waiting to go to work in areas currently behind the blockade, including many Wet’suwet’en members.
In the coming days, Coastal GasLink will resume construction activities in the Morice River area in accordance with our permits and Interlocutory Injunction. It is our hope that the resumption of construction activities occurs in a lawful and peaceful manner that maintains the safety of all in the Morice River area.
Coastal GasLink remains committed to ongoing engagement and dialogue with all Indigenous communities across our route, including the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs and the Unist’ot’en, to ensure that all parties benefit from the cultural, environmental and historical knowledge of our Indigenous partners.”
