Métis leaders from Alberta’s Wood Buffalo region have raised concerns about being left out of consultations regarding the proposed Pacific Link pipeline project by the federal government. While Prime Minister Mark Carney met with several First Nations leaders before declaring the West Coast oil pipeline in the national interest under the Building Canada Act, leaders from six Métis communities stated they were not consulted before the announcement.
During a news conference in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Métis leaders highlighted that they were not included in the joint federal-provincial news conference on October 1 nor informed about ownership stakes in the project. Kelly Myers, district captain for Fort McMurray Métis, expressed disappointment over the exclusion, emphasizing that silence should not be seen as acceptance.
The proposed Pacific Link pipeline aims to transport one million barrels of oil per day from Alberta’s oilsands region to tankers near Delta, B.C. The federal and provincial governments aim to secure construction approvals by September 2027 and have the pipeline operational by 2032 or 2033. Carney announced that Indigenous communities could access a 10% ownership stake in the project, along with contracting and employment opportunities.
Leaders representing Métis communities in Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Willow Lake, Conklin, and Chard, stated that while they do not oppose the pipeline, they have concerns and questions that they want addressed before any federal approvals are granted. Ruby Ladouceur, president of Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, expressed worries about potential environmental impacts resulting from increased oilsands development associated with the pipeline.
The Métis leaders emphasized the importance of their involvement in the development process and criticized the lack of consultation. They stressed the need for dialogue and engagement to address their concerns. Alberta’s Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney’s press secretary, Zoe De Jonge, confirmed ongoing discussions with Indigenous leaders about the project, reiterating the government’s commitment to engaging with Métis communities.