The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs has urged "swift and systemic" action to protect biodiversity and critical habitats in the Canadian province.

On Tuesday - Earth Day 2025, and with Canadians going to the polls to choose their federal government on 28 April, the council of BC First Nations leaders said that "during a time of governmental obsession with accelerating natural resource projects, we cannot blindly ignore the damage these projects could have on the ecosystems that sustain our way of life".

UBCIC President, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, said both Canada and BC "claim to be environmental leaders while approving projects that stand to destroy massive areas of animal habitat and increase greenhouse gas emissions".

"Every day we hear grandiose speeches about expanding the economy and fast-tracking natural resource projects across the province; however, real climate action starts with respecting Indigenous title and rights and following the lead of First Nations working to protect their territories," he said.

Union Vice President Chief Don Tom said "as First Nations people, we hold a deep connection to the land".

"Seeing worsening disasters every year from droughts to wildfire compounded by more investments in fossil fuels is sickening. BC needs to strengthen its policies when it comes to holding industries accountable to reduce emissions and environmental destruction," he said.

Demonstrating the solidarity across the union, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer, Chief Marilyn Slet, said "I am constantly grateful when I get the opportunity to spend time on the land; It has provided for our peoples for thousands of years and we are putting it all at risk for short term investments and profits".

"The UBCIC calls on the provincial and federal governments to uphold and strengthen regulations that will lead to BC and Canada reaching their climate change goals and working with Indigenous peoples to protect more natural habitats across Turtle Island," she said.

7.3 million Canadians have already cast their vote in the country's federal election, in which the Liberal Party under Mark Carney, who recently replaced long-serving PM Justin Trudeau, are leading Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives in opinion polls.