Métis leaders from Alberta’s Wood Buffalo region 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 declaring the new West Coast oil pipeline as being in the national interest under the Building Canada Act. However, the leaders of six Métis communities claim they were not consulted before the announcement was made.

During a news conference in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Métis leaders highlighted that they were excluded from the joint federal-provincial news conference for the pipeline announcement on October 1. They were also unaware of the ownership stakes associated with the project. Kelly Myers, district captain for Fort McMurray Métis, emphasized the importance of speaking out, stating, “Silence is acceptance, and that’s why we’re not silent.”

The proposed Pacific Link pipeline, if approved, will transport one million barrels of oil per day from Alberta’s oilsands region to tankers near Delta, British Columbia. Both the federal and Alberta provincial governments aim to secure construction approvals by September 2027, with the pipeline anticipated to be operational by 2032 or 2033.

Carney has pledged a 10% ownership opportunity for Indigenous communities and highlighted Indigenous contracting and employment prospects. He emphasized the collaborative development of the pipeline with Indigenous involvement from the outset, offering opportunities to benefit from the prosperity generated by the Pacific Link project.

The Métis leaders representing communities in Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Willow Lake, Conklin, and Chard expressed concerns and questions about the pipeline project. While not opposing the pipeline outright, they seek clarification and dialogue before any federal approvals are finalized. Ruby Ladouceur, president of Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, raised concerns about potential environmental impacts resulting from increased oilsands development.

Stella Lavallee, president of Willow Lake Métis Nation, criticized the lack of consultation with Métis communities, emphasizing that the pipeline route traverses their region. Alberta Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney’s press secretary, Zoe De Jonge, confirmed ongoing discussions with Indigenous leaders about the project. De Jonge reiterated the Alberta government’s commitment to engaging with First Nations and Métis communities in the region.