British Columbia First Nation files court challenge over Pacific Link oil pipeline consultations
First Nations say Ottawa fast-tracked the pipeline without impact assessments or meaningful consultation, and they warn of risks to salmon, fishing rights and treaty interests.
- On Friday, October 30, Tsartlip First Nation and the St'at'imc Chiefs Council filed Federal Court challenges against the Pacific Link pipeline's 'national interest' designation under the Building Canada Act, citing insufficient consultation.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced the multibillion-dollar project last month, designating it a national interest initiative to streamline federal approvals and accelerate development.
- Tsartlip spokesman Adam Olsen called the fast-tracked regulatory process 'reckless,' noting consultation occurred in less than three months. St'at'imc council chairperson Justin Kane warned the project crosses over 500 rivers and streams, threatening salmon and fishing rights.
- Defending the process, Carney claimed the Major Projects Office 'conducted rigorous consultations' with more than 130 Indigenous communities along the proposed route. The federal government intends to offer these communities a minimum 10 per cent ownership interest.
- The Tsartlip application demands the court confirm Ottawa must 'meaningfully consult' affected nations before determining a project's national interest. Cold Lake First Nation filed a separate judicial review application in early October, extending legal challenges across multiple First Nations.
26 Articles
26 Articles
British Columbia First Nation files court challenge over Pacific Link oil pipeline consultations
A First Nation in British Columbia has filed a court challenge against the Canadian government's decision to fast-track the review process for a new proposed crude oil pipeline to Canada's west coast.
Tsartlip First Nation launches legal challenge over Pacific Link pipeline approval process
A Vancouver Island First Nation is taking the federal government to court over its decision to declare the proposed Pacific Link oil pipeline a project of national interest, arguing Ottawa failed to adequately consult Indigenous communities first.
Winnipeg Free Press
B.C. First Nations file legal challenges of federal decision on Pacific Link pipeline
VANCOUVER - Several First Nations in British Columbia have filed legal challenges to the federal government's decision to list the proposed Pacific Link oil pipeline between Alberta to B.C.'s coast as a project of national interest, fast-tracking its review.
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