Métis leaders from Alberta’s Wood Buffalo region are alleging that they have been left out of talks regarding the proposed Pacific Link pipeline by the Canadian government. Prime Minister Mark Carney reportedly met with several First Nations leaders prior to declaring the West Coast oil pipeline as being in the national interest under the Building Canada Act. However, leaders from six Métis communities stated that they were not consulted before the announcement was made.
During a press conference in Fort McMurray, Alberta, the Métis leaders highlighted that they were neither included in the joint federal-provincial news conference for the pipeline announcement on October 1 nor informed about the ownership stakes for the project. Kelly Myers, the district captain for Fort McMurray Métis, emphasized the significance of speaking out, stating, “Silence is acceptance, and that’s why we’re not silent.”
The proposed Pacific Link pipeline aims to transport one million barrels of oil per day from Alberta’s oilsands region to tankers at a deepwater port near Delta, British Columbia. The federal and provincial governments of Alberta are aiming to secure construction approvals by September 2027 and have the pipeline operational by 2032 or 2033.
Carney has indicated that a 10% ownership opportunity will be available for Indigenous communities, along with contracting and employment prospects. He stated during the announcement on October 1 that Indigenous involvement is crucial from the project’s inception to enable them to benefit from the prosperity generated by the Pacific Link pipeline.
The Métis leaders representing communities in Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Willow Lake, Conklin, and Chard expressed concerns and questions at the news conference but did not oppose the pipeline outright. Ruby Ladouceur, president of Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, raised apprehensions about potential environmental impacts due to increased oilsands development resulting from the pipeline.
Stella Lavallee, president of Willow Lake Métis Nation, criticized the lack of consultation with the Métis communities, emphasizing that they were not informed despite the pipeline passing through their region. Zoe De Jonge, press secretary for Alberta Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney, affirmed the province’s commitment to engaging with Métis and First Nations communities, stating that the government values ongoing dialogue and involvement with these groups.