Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau is expected to visit the site of a diesel spill near Bella Bella today.
But the area's Heiltsuk First Nation says that's not enough, and are calling for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to tour the site as well.
Honored to be received by the Heiltsuk Nation Council and Chief Marilyn Slett today in #Bellabella pic.twitter.com/fnl2aUeiVF
— Marc Garneau (@MarcGarneau) November 6, 2016
Heiltsuk incident commander Jess Housty says in order to make effective changes from Ottawa, the spill needs to be seen first hand.
To @JustinTrudeau: This isn't your first invitation from #Heiltsuk. It's time to #cometoBellaBella. We'll be waiting. #NathanEStewart pic.twitter.com/igQ5go43UC
— Jess Housty (@heiltsukvoice) November 3, 2016
The diesel spill came from a tugboat that ran aground and sank along B.C.'s central coast last month.
Exactly how much fuel was released into the water has not yet been determined, but the Nathan E. Stewart had more than 220,000 litres on board when it went down, and less than 105,000 litres have been recovered.
Members of the Heiltsuk Nation say dead seals and otters have been found in the area since the tug sank, along with a number of oiled birds.
On the tanker ban, @JustinTrudeau you talked the talk, now walk the walk!!
— William Úsdi (@WilliamHousty) November 3, 2016
