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First Nations chiefs call out Ottawa over pipeline deal that doesn’t mention water

On Jan. 21, 2026, the federal government and Alberta signed a memorandum of understanding opening the door to a pipeline to the B.C. coast, but it omits fresh water protections.
In 2021, the federal government launched the Crown-Indigenous Working Group to explore tailings management with First Nations and Métis, while a prior bill with source water protection failed due to Alberta and Ontario objections.
Keepers of the Water reported a tailings leak that went unreported for nine months in 2022, highlighting water risks amid growing tailings ponds, Cardinal said.
The Privy Council Office did not directly say why water was left out of the agreement, but officials said the major projects office will work with Indigenous communities under UNDRIP commitments.
Trevor Mercredi expressed skepticism that government and industry will prioritize water protections, warning `I don't know if they'll ever deal with it`, amid concerns over tailings ponds and water safety in pipeline negotiations.

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First Nations chiefs call out Ottawa over pipeline deal that doesn’t mention water

Some First Nations chiefs are demanding answers from Ottawa after the federal government signed a pipeline agreement with Alberta that failed to make any mention of fresh water.

7 hours ago·Canada

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