Ellis Ross
- Born
- June 16, 1965 — Kitimat
- Family
- Married to Tracey, two daughters
- Career
- Survey work for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, operated a charter boat, ran a hand logging and salvage log beachcombing business with his brother. Haisla Nation Council's first full-time councillor in 2003, Haisla Nation's Chief Councillor in 2011
- Political Experience
- MLA for the riding of Skeena from 2017 to 2024. Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing. Elected MP for Skeena—Bulkley Valley in 2025.
- Notable
- Inducted into the Order of British Columbia in 2014.
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering federal politics, Ellis Ross had a long career in Indigenous governance and resource development. He served as the elected Chief Councillor for the Haisla Nation in British Columbia for over a decade. During his time as Chief, he was a key figure in negotiating agreements for major industrial projects on Haisla territory. His most prominent work involved securing the LNG Canada project, a multi-billion dollar liquefied natural gas facility in Kitimat. Ross was a vocal advocate for the project, framing it as a crucial opportunity for economic self-sufficiency and prosperity for his community. He also served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in British Columbia from 2017 to 2021, representing the Skeena riding for the BC Liberal Party (now BC United).
Key Relationships & Connections
As Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation, Ellis Ross developed key relationships with executives from the energy sector, most notably with the partners in the LNG Canada consortium, which includes Shell, Petronas, PetroChina, Mitsubishi Corporation, and KOGAS. He worked closely with provincial government leaders, including former B.C. Premier Christy Clark, to secure approvals and agreements for the LNG project. In provincial politics, he was a member of the BC Liberal caucus under leader Andrew Wilkinson. As a federal Member of Parliament, he is part of the Conservative Party caucus led by Pierre Poilievre. His political career is fundamentally linked to his leadership role within the Haisla Nation.
Public Controversies
Ellis Ross's strong support for oil and gas projects, such as the Coastal GasLink pipeline and LNG Canada, has been a source of public controversy. His stance has often placed him in opposition to environmental organizations and some other Indigenous leaders who oppose the projects due to their environmental impact and concerns over Indigenous rights and title. In 2020, while serving as a provincial MLA, Ross faced significant backlash and calls for his resignation as the opposition critic for LNG and resource opportunities. This followed a social media post in which he reportedly compared the tactics of some Indigenous protestors to those of the Ku Klux Klan. He later stated his comments were misunderstood and that he was referring to the use of masks to hide identities, not making a direct comparison of the groups' overall nature or goals.
Where Ellis falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
Taylor Bachrach won with 17,677 votes (39.3%)
Total votes cast: 44,932
How does Ellis Ross's voting record line up with your values?
Mr. Speaker, despite the illusions and speeches, it is more cost, more carbon taxes and more of the same. In Skeena—Bulkley Valley, gas prices are up to two dollars a litre. The Liberals claim that gas prices are due to world oil prices being $100 a barrel, but in 2014, under the Conservative government, gas prices were around 45¢ cheaper, and the price of oil at the time was $100 a barrel. It
Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government directed its lawyers not to argue for property rights in the Cowichan case. The judge then ruled that private property was defective and invalid. Canada must pursue reconciliation with indigenous peoples, but these decisions are moving in the wrong direction. Canadians need the certainty that comes with knowing that their homes and property are theirs. Prime
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to table our dissenting Conservative report, in both official languages. While the committee's report documents the failed Liberal emissions reduction plan, it then recommends more of the same. It calls for higher industrial carbon taxes or an oil and gas emissions cap that would drive investment, jobs and production out of Canada.
Mr. Speaker, that speech covered a lot of area, I must admit. A number of the member's colleagues have gotten up and talked about how the Conservatives should get on board, work with them and just agree with the sovereign wealth fund, because it is good for the country. Actually, that is not how this model is set up. The Westminster model is set up with the official opposition, and normally we