Métis leaders from Alberta’s Wood Buffalo area are criticizing the federal government for not involving them in talks regarding the proposed Pacific Link pipeline project. Prime Minister Mark Carney held discussions with several First Nations leaders before declaring the West Coast oil pipeline as nationally significant under the Building Canada Act. However, leaders from six Métis communities claim they were not consulted prior to the announcement.
During a press briefing in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Métis leaders highlighted that they were excluded from the joint federal-provincial press conference on October 1 where the pipeline project was disclosed. They also mentioned not being informed about ownership shares in the venture.
Kelly Myers, Fort McMurray Métis district captain, emphasized the importance of speaking out against the perceived disregard for Métis involvement. CBC News reached out to the federal government’s Privy Council Office for a statement but received no response by the time of reporting.
If greenlit, the Pacific Link pipeline is set to transport one million barrels of oil daily from Alberta’s oilsands to a seaport near Delta, British Columbia. Both the federal and provincial governments aim to secure construction approvals by September 2027 with plans to have the pipeline operational by 2032 or 2033.
Carney has announced a 10% ownership opportunity for Indigenous communities, along with promises for Indigenous employment and contracting prospects. Stressing the importance of Indigenous partnership, Carney mentioned during the unveiling that this collaboration would pave the way for shared prosperity from the Pacific Link project.
The Métis leaders voicing their concerns represent communities in Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Willow Lake, Conklin, and Chard. While they did not explicitly oppose the pipeline, they expressed reservations and queries that they wish to address before any federal approvals are granted.
Ruby Ladouceur, president of Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, fears that the pipeline could spur further oilsands development, potentially leading to environmental hazards. Stella Lavallee, president of Willow Lake Métis Nation, criticized the lack of consultation and communication, stating that the project traverses their region.
Zoe De Jonge, press secretary for Alberta’s Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney, affirmed ongoing discussions with Indigenous leaders about the pipeline. The province refrained from commenting on the federal government’s engagement decisions but reiterated a commitment to engaging with First Nations and Métis communities.
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