Letter to Minister LeBlanc: Referral of West Coast Oil Pipeline to Major Projects Office

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Bowen Denman Hornby Gabriola Galiano Gambier Lasqueti Mayne North Pender Salt Spring Saturna South Pender Thetis
200 – 1627 Fort Street, Victoria BC V8R 1H8
Telephone (250) 405 - 5151 Fax (250) 405 - 5155
Toll Free via Enquiry BC in Vancouver 660 - 2421.
Elsewhere in BC 1.800.663.7867
Email information@islandstrust.bc.ca
Web www.islandstrust.bc.ca
September 1 7 , 2026 File No.: 11 - 5020 - 30
Via email: WCOPComment - CommentaireOCO@mpo - bgp.gc.ca ; dominic.leblanc@parl.gc.ca
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc , P.C., K.C., M.P.
President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada - U.S. Trade,
Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy,
House of Commons
Ottawa ON K1A 0A6
Dear Minister LeBlanc ,
Re: Referral of West Coast Oil Pipeline to Major Projects Office
I am writing on behalf of Islands Trust Council to express opposition to the proposed designation of
the West Coast Oil Pipeline (WCOP) as a project of national interest under the Building Canada Act .
We are concerned that rigorous studies on the project’s potential significant risks to species and
communities throughout the Salish Sea region could ultimately demonstrate that the WCOP is not
in the national interest because of its unmitigable impacts on this ecologically sensitive and deeply
cherished part of Canada.
As views and opinions are considered, I request that Islands Trust Council be kept informed of, and
involved in, any consultations or initiatives related to proposed industrial projects in the Salish Sea
that would result in cumulative risks to the socio - e conomic and environmental uniqueness of the
Islands Trust Area.
Islands Trust is a special - purpose government representing over 30,000 people living within the
Islands Trust Area and 10,000 non - resident property owners. The Islands Trust Area is located
within Coast Salish territory and encompasses the islands and waters between the British
Columbia mainland and southern Vancouver Island. It includes 13 major islands and more than
450 smaller islands with over 1,300 kilometres of shoreline. Islands Trust is responsible for
preserving and protecting t he Islands Trust Are a and its unique amenities and environment through
conservation - oriented land use planning and regulation, education, and cooperation with First
Nations and others.
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The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
September 1 7 , 2026
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Bowen Denman Hornby Gabriola Galiano Gambier Lasqueti Mayne North Pender Salt Spring Saturna South Pender Thetis
As Canada moves at a speed not seen in generations to unlock its full economic potential , it may
be timely , during this transformative period, to pause and consider our nation’s commitment to
protection of the environment and the well - being of coastal communities.
The Salish Sea is a special region in need of special consideration and precautionary measures.
The Tanker Safety Expert Panel’s 2013 report stated that the waters around the southern tip of
Vancouver 

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