Métis leaders from Alberta’s Wood Buffalo area are criticizing the federal government for not involving them in discussions regarding the proposed Pacific Link pipeline project. While Prime Minister Mark Carney met with several First Nations leaders before declaring the West Coast oil pipeline as nationally significant under the Building Canada Act, the leaders of six Métis communities claim they were not consulted before the announcement.
In a press conference held in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Métis leaders mentioned that they were not included in the joint federal-provincial press conference for the pipeline announcement on October 1, and were not informed about the ownership stakes related to the project. Kelly Myers, the district captain for Fort McMurray Métis, emphasized that their lack of involvement signifies disrespect towards the Métis community and is unacceptable.
The proposed Pacific Link pipeline aims to transport one million barrels of oil daily from Alberta’s oilsands region to tankers near Delta, British Columbia. The federal and Alberta provincial governments aim to secure construction approvals by September 2027 and have the pipeline operational by 2032 or 2033.
Carney has pledged a 10% ownership opportunity for Indigenous communities, along with Indigenous contracting and employment prospects. He highlighted the involvement of Indigenous peoples in the pipeline’s development, emphasizing the shared prosperity that the Pacific Link project would bring.
The Métis leaders representing communities in Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Willow Lake, Conklin, and Chard voiced their concerns and questions at the news conference but did not express opposition to the pipeline. They raised worries about potential environmental impacts due to increased oilsands development and production, emphasizing the need for their voices to be heard before any federal approvals are granted.
Stella Lavallee, president of Willow Lake Métis Nation, criticized the lack of consultation and communication about the pipeline project, stating that being excluded from the discussions was a direct affront. The leaders stressed the importance of being actively engaged in decisions that affect their regions to ensure the well-being of their communities.
Zoe De Jonge, press secretary for Alberta Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney, confirmed ongoing engagements with Indigenous leaders by the ministry regarding the project. De Jonge reiterated the Alberta government’s dedication to engaging with First Nations and Métis communities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining relationships through continuous dialogue and involvement.