Métis leaders from Alberta’s Wood Buffalo area are accusing the federal government of sidelining them in talks regarding the proposed Pacific Link pipeline project. Despite Prime Minister Mark Carney meeting with various First Nations leaders prior to declaring the new West Coast oil pipeline as a national interest under the Building Canada Act, the leaders of six Métis communities claim they were not consulted before the announcement.
During a press briefing in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Métis leaders highlighted their absence from the joint federal-provincial press conference on October 1 where the pipeline project was unveiled and expressed discontent over not being informed about ownership stakes in the venture. Kelly Myers, the district captain for Fort McMurray Métis, emphasized that their non-involvement signifies disrespect towards the Métis community, which they refuse to tolerate.
The proposed Pacific Link pipeline, if greenlit, will transport one million barrels of oil daily from Alberta’s oilsands region to tankers near Delta, British Columbia. The federal and provincial governments aim to secure construction approvals by September 2027, with the pipeline slated to become operational between 2032 and 2033.
Carney has committed to offering a 10% ownership share to Indigenous communities and ensuring Indigenous contracting and employment opportunities. Stressing the importance of indigenous involvement, Carney emphasized during the announcement that it marks the initial phase of collaboration to share in the benefits created by the Pacific Link project.
The Métis leaders representing communities in Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Willow Lake, Conklin, and Chard affirmed at the news conference that they do not oppose the pipeline outright. However, they expressed reservations and queries they wish to address before any federal approvals are granted. Ruby Ladouceur, the president of Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, expressed concerns about potential escalated oilsands development and the associated environmental risks.
Stella Lavallee, president of Willow Lake Métis Nation, criticized the lack of consultation with the Métis community despite the pipeline passing through their region. She highlighted the exclusion as a significant oversight, especially given Carney’s prior meetings with First Nations chiefs on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The Alberta Ministry of Indigenous Relations, through Zoe De Jonge, press secretary for Minister Rajan Sawhney, stated that the ministry has engaged with Indigenous leaders regarding the project. De Jonge reiterated the government’s commitment to ongoing dialogues and engagement with Métis leaders across the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region.
