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British Columbia First Nation files court challenge over Pacific Link oil pipeline consultations
Several First Nations say Ottawa skipped proper consultation and environmental review before fast-tracking the pipeline, which could move 1 million barrels a day.
On Monday, the Stʼatʼimc Chiefs Council filed a Federal Court challenge seeking to overturn the October 1 designation of the Pacific Link pipeline as a project of national interest under the Building Canada Act.
The national interest designation fast-tracks the $35 billion to $44 billion pipeline by exempting it from standard environmental assessments under the Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act, effectively pre-approving permits before detailed engineering plans are complete.
Tsartlip First Nation and Cold Lake First Nation have also filed legal applications, bringing the total number of lawsuits against the designation to 10, as Indigenous leaders cite inadequate consultation and risks to salmon and fishing rights.
Legal applications argue the government failed to provide sufficient project information or conduct meaningful consultation, violating obligations under the 1852 North Saanich Douglas Treaty, according to Tsartlip spokesperson Adam Olsen.
Projected to cost between $35 billion and $44 billion, the 1,250-kilometre pipeline aims to transport one million barrels of crude oil daily from Alberta to British Columbia for export to Asian markets, with operations targeting 2032.