First Nations leader reconsidering stance on Northern Gateway pipeline after Trumps tariff threats [Video]

The president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs is reversing his previous opposition to the scrapped Northern Gateway pipeline project that would have created another route for Alberta’s oil to get to the Pacific Ocean.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip said Tuesday that while he “really fought against” Northern Gateway’s construction before it was scuttled in 2016, that was a “different time” and Canada now has “no choice” but to reconsider.

“We are staring into the abyss of uncertainty right now with climate change, the climate crisis and the American threat,” Phillip said in a news conference ahead of a meeting with B.C. First Nations leaders and the provincial cabinet in Vancouver, highlighting the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump.

“I would suggest that if we don’t build that kind of infrastructure, Trump will – and there will not be any consideration for the environment or the rule of law or anything along …