Stop work on Coastal GasLink to allow meaningful dialogue on B.C. pipeline project, says Indigenous leader

A B.C. Indigenous leader says the prime ministerneeds to immediately come to the table with Indigenous leaders who oppose theconstruction of apipeline in northern B.C. and theproject should be halted whileconversations take place.

The Coastal GasLinkpipeline, which is opposed by the hereditary chiefs of the Wet'suwet'en Nation,has mobilized both Indigenous and non-Indigenous protesters across the countryto blockade ports, railways and roads in solidarity.

"People are at the end of their rope," said Judith Sayers, president of theNuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Wednesday on The Early Edition.

"The government hasn't bothered to take First Nations very seriously on these issues. People across the country are acting out on this," she added.

Sayers said the situation has become a national crisis and it is critical that Ottawa and Indigenous leaders come together now.

Shesuggested a three to six month moratorium on pipeline construction while conversations take place.

In the House of Commons Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Canadians to be patient with his government.

"Finding a solution will not be simple. It will take determination, hard work and co-operation," Trudeau said. "We are creating a space for peaceful honest dialogue with willing partners ...We need Canadians to show both resolve and collaboration. Everyone has a stake in getting this right."

Sayers said the prime minister's words are not enough.

"He could take time out of his busy schedule to begin the conversations," she said. "He's making space, but there is not a lot more of a commitment than that."

Former B.C. premier UjjalDosanjh said he does not support stopping work on the pipeline.

"It establishes a precedent that you can bring the whole country to its knees and then have a moratorium. I think that's a problem for a civilized society." said Dosanjh.

He said if a moratorium is put on the project it could encourage other groups to erect blockades over future issues that do not concern First Nations.

"Forget these issues, imagine other issues,"said Dosanjh. "If other Canadians begin to do the same thing, are we going to accept it?"

On Wednesday, Trudeau reiterated to reporters on Parliament Hill his government is working hard to resolve the Indigenous blockadesthat have led to hundreds of layoffs at CN Rail.The prime minister has said his government is committed to using dialogue instead of force.

Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefshave said they will not meet with Ottawa or Victoria unless the RCMP and Coastal GasLink leavetheir territory.