Métis leaders in 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 met with various First Nations leaders before officially declaring the West Coast oil pipeline as a matter of national interest under the Building Canada Act. However, leaders from six Métis communities claim they were not consulted prior to the announcement.
During a press conference held in Fort McMurray, Alberta, the Métis leaders highlighted that they were not included in the joint federal-provincial news conference on October 1st where the pipeline project was disclosed, nor were they informed about ownership stakes in the venture. Kelly Myers, the district captain for Fort McMurray Métis, emphasized that their exclusion from such discussions signifies disrespect towards the Métis community and that they refuse to remain silent.
The proposed Pacific Link pipeline aims to transport one million barrels of oil daily from Alberta’s oilsands area to tankers near Delta, British Columbia. The federal and Alberta governments anticipate obtaining construction approvals by September 2027 and aim to have the pipeline operational by 2032 or 2033.
Carney has indicated that Indigenous communities will have the opportunity to hold a 10% ownership stake in the project, with additional prospects for Indigenous contracting and employment. He emphasized the importance of involving Indigenous peoples from the project’s inception to ensure they benefit from the prosperity generated by the Pacific Link initiative.
The Métis leaders representing communities in Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Willow Lake, Conklin, and Chard, all expressed concerns and questions regarding the pipeline project. While not explicitly opposing the pipeline, they have reservations and seek clarification before any federal approvals are granted.
Ruby Ladouceur, president of Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, voiced apprehensions about potential environmental impacts resulting from increased oilsands development linked to the pipeline. Stella Lavallee, president of Willow Lake Métis Nation, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of proper consultation and involvement in decisions that directly affect their region.
Zoe De Jonge, press secretary for Alberta’s Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney, mentioned that the province has been engaging with Indigenous leaders regarding the project. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration with Métis communities in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region.