The North Island – Powell River (NIPR) Electoral District Association of the Green Party of Canada is hosting an online movie night on March 26, 2026, from 6:30-8:30 PM. The two short films for this event are by westcoast Canadian filmmakers: It’s Time to Listen (2020) a 7-minute exploration of how whales respond to a quieter underwater world, produced by the Hakai Institute and Stand (2018), a 45-minute film by Anthony Bonello and Nicolas Teichrob, following local adventurer Norm Hann as he paddleboards along the east coast of Haida Gwaii with visits to Haisla, Bella Bella, and Tofino. (The film has amazing surfing footage!)
The focus of the Virtual Movie Night is to raise awareness of coastal concerns and encourage an open discussion across the NIPR riding around the Federal/Alberta Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to build a pipeline through northern BC to the north coast for shipping across the Pacific Ocean. This project would contravene the Oil Tanker Ban, in practice since 1972 and legislated into law (Bill C-26) on June 21, 2019. The ban covers an area that stretches from the northern tip of Vancouver Island to the BC-Alaska border and along the entire west coast of Vancouver Island. This includes the waters that surround the NIPR federal riding. For more information please see: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-oil-tanker-ban-explained-9.7016899
First Nations communities assert that removing the Oil Tanker Ban would put our coastlines, communities, and oceans at great risk. The communities of Bella Bella and Kyuquot have already experienced oil spills that have required complex operations to mitigate ongoing damages to their territorial waters.
The title chosen for this event – A Silent Ocean – raises the issue of who will speak for the ocean that surrounds us. The NIPR riding covers a huge area including 20 First Nations communities who will be the first responders in any shipping emergency. Diluted bitumen (dilbit) does not float; it sinks to coat the ocean floor. For an in-depth analysis of the risks of a dilbit spill, referencing interviews with Malcolm Lowry, Jennifer Lash, Aaron Gunn, and Elizabeth May, please see:
Following the Zoom screening, there will be a panel Q&A, hosted by Jessica Wegg. The Panelists are: Shane Pollard, Guardian Manager, We Wai Kai Nation; Katarina Duke, Manager of Marine Conservation and Fisheries, Ka:yu:’k’t’h’ / Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations; and Cory Cliffe, Wei Wai Kum First Nation, Founder, 7 Generations Stewards Society. Everyone interested is invited to attend this FREE event. Bring your popcorn, questions, and knowledge to the table! Please see the QR code below to access the event. Information about the event is also available at www.greensofnorthisland-powellriver.ca; and www.facebook.com/NIPRGreens/.
