Economics
The Fight Over a Gas Pipeline Is Paralyzing Parts of Canada’s Economy
The latest showdown between indigenous groups and the government is backing up cargo-ship traffic, halting passenger rail, and delaying freight trains.
Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs (from left) Rob Alfred, John Ridsdale, and Antoinette Austin, who oppose the Coastal GasLink pipeline, take part in a rally in Smithers, British Columbia, on Jan. 10.
Photographer: Jason Franson/The Canadian Press/APThis article is for subscribers only.
The long-simmering conflict between Canada’s indigenous people and its leading industries has exploded again, but this time it’s not just delaying a pipeline or halting a logging project—it’s threatening to hit an already-shaky economy.
And the recent rash of protests that have hobbled the country may be just a warmup to an even more pitched battle later this year.