Natural Resources and Energy Minister Tim Hodgson has issued a public apology after facing criticism for suggesting that Coastal First Nations in British Columbia could address their concerns about a proposed Alberta bitumen pipeline via a Zoom call.
A Controversial Comment and Swift Apology
The incident occurred during a televised interview on Thursday, November 28, 2025, with CBC News Power and Politics host David Cochrane. The minister, who serves as Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet lead on major projects, was questioned about his availability to meet with the leadership of the Coastal First Nations.
The group, which represents eight nations along the B.C. coast and the Haida Gwaii islands, had expressed that its president could not attend a short-notice, in-person meeting in Vancouver. In response, Hodgson remarked, "It's called Zoom," adding with a smile, "I think that's what we're using, David."
By late Friday, the minister had taken to the social media platform X to express his regret. "My comments last night about a virtual meeting with Coastal First Nations were a poor choice of words, which I regret," Hodgson wrote. He confirmed that he had reached out to the organization directly to apologize and looked forward to an in-person meeting.
First Nations Leadership Responds to Disrespect
Coastal First Nations President Marilyn Slett, who is also the elected chief of the Heiltsuk Nation, did not mince words in her response. She characterized the minister's comments as "deeply disrespectful" and indicative of a "complete lack of understanding of our communities."
In a formal statement, Slett highlighted the long-standing collaborative work between her organization and various levels of government on initiatives across the Great Bear Rainforest. These projects have focused on protecting the ecosystem, creating jobs, and contributing to the Canadian economy.
"We can only continue that work if we have productive relationships, grounded in respectful dialogue," Slett stated. "We expect better from this government moving forward."
Political Fallout from Alberta Energy Deal
This diplomatic misstep comes at a politically sensitive time for the Carney government. It is currently managing the fallout from a new energy agreement struck with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The deal is intended to pave the way for the construction of a new oil pipeline to B.C.'s northwest coast.
While Prime Minister Carney has promoted the plan as a key component of his pledge to transform Canada into an "energy superpower," and secured a commitment from Alberta to strengthen its industrial carbon tax, the deal has faced opposition.
Concerns have been raised by some B.C. Liberal caucus members, particularly regarding the lack of prior consultation with both B.C. Premier David Eby and the Coastal First Nations. The First Nations group has been vocally opposed to the government's openness to potentially lifting the federal oil tanker ban off the B.C. coast.
In a statement released after the Alberta deal was announced, the Coastal First Nations were unequivocal: they "will never allow our coast to be put at risk of a catastrophic oil spill." The recent exchange with Minister Hodgson has only intensified the scrutiny on the government's approach to this critical file.
