Métis leaders from Alberta’s Wood Buffalo area have criticized the federal government for not involving them in discussions regarding the proposed Pacific Link pipeline project. Prime Minister Mark Carney met with several First Nations leaders before declaring the West Coast oil pipeline a matter of national interest under the Building Canada Act, yet leaders from six Métis communities claim they were not consulted before the announcement. The Métis leaders expressed their disappointment during a press conference in Fort McMurray, highlighting that they were not included in the joint federal-provincial news conference on October 1 and were unaware of the project’s ownership stakes.
Kelly Myers, the district captain for Fort McMurray Métis, emphasized the importance of speaking out, stating that their exclusion from the discussions was disrespectful and unacceptable. Despite efforts to reach the federal government’s Privy Council Office for comment, CBC News had not received a response by the time of reporting.
The proposed Pacific Link pipeline is intended to transport one million barrels of oil per day from Alberta’s oilsands region to a deepwater port near Delta, B.C. Both the federal and Alberta provincial governments aim to secure construction approvals by September 2027, with the pipeline expected to be operational by 2032 or 2033. Carney has committed to offering a 10% ownership stake to Indigenous communities, along with providing Indigenous contracting and employment opportunities.
The Métis leaders representing communities in Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Willow Lake, Conklin, and Chard, expressed their concerns and questions at the news conference, emphasizing the need for their voices to be heard before any approvals are granted. Ruby Ladouceur, president of Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, raised apprehensions about the potential increase in oilsands development due to the pipeline, echoing worries about environmental impacts on water, land, and air.
Stella Lavallee, president of Willow Lake Métis Nation, criticized the lack of consultation despite the pipeline passing through their region. She highlighted the importance of being informed and involved in decisions that could impact their communities. The Alberta Indigenous Relations Minister’s press secretary, Zoe De Jonge, affirmed the province’s commitment to engaging with both First Nations and Métis communities in the region, emphasizing ongoing dialogue and collaboration as a priority.
