Monday, December 23, 2024 
 
In the most recent Urgent Action Letter addressed to the Premier of British Columbia, David Eby, the Union urged for the immediate suspension of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) project due to its outdated environmental assessment.  
 
“It is essential for the PRGT project to undergo a thorough review that reflects the current environmental conditions and respects the rights of Indigenous communities,” says TRUSU Racialized Representative Noori Arora. 
 
The Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) project, first approved in 2014, seeks to construct a pipeline to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) across northern British Columbia. However, its environmental assessment certificate is no longer valid due to substantial changes in the pipeline’s route, which has yet to undergo updated evaluations. These changes heighten the risks of environmental damage, including the destruction of ecosystems and water contamination, and significantly impact the unceded territories of Indigenous Nations. The certificate’s indefinite extension, despite these issues, enables the project to move forward without proper scrutiny or meaningful consultation with affected communities. 
 
Broadly, this reflects a troubling pattern of inadequate oversight and systemic disregard for Indigenous rights in Canada. Across the country, fossil fuel projects continue to advance without fully addressing environmental risks or respecting the rights of Indigenous communities. This ongoing failure undermines reconciliation efforts and perpetuates environmental harm. In the face of a worsening climate crisis, it is critical for the government to prioritize long-term ecological protection by taking action as requested in this urgent request. 
 
“Premier Eby must take responsibility as a leader to uphold sustainability and Indigenous rights by addressing the serious flaws in the PRGT project and demand a reassessment,” says Arora. 
 
TRUSU awaits a response from Premier Eby outlining the government’s next steps to address these urgent concerns. 

The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows the Union to consistently take solidarity action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click here to see the injustices we have addressed previously. For further information about this issue or to view a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator here.