Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN) is calling for greater transparency, stronger consultation and a full federal impact assessment following a May 15 announcement by the federal and Alberta governments tied to carbon pricing and pipeline development.

In a media release issued May 16, CLFN said the announcement appeared to come with “a commitment from Canada that a pipeline will go ahead” and what the nation described as an assumption that First Nations investment in the project would eliminate concerns from nearby communities.

“We recognize that certainty can support investment and planning,” the release states. “Our opposition isn’t about money.”

CLFN emphasized it is not opposed to energy development, noting the nation owns its own oil company and supports investment opportunities and revenue sharing. However, leadership said projects of this scale must also be grounded in “trust, transparency, and a clear understanding of impacts.”

The nation pointed to its historical experience with large-scale industrial and military development in the region, including the long-term effects of the Primrose Lake Air Weapons Range on local communities, land use and the economy.

“Those experiences shape how we approach new developments today—with caution, with responsibility, and with a deep commitment to protecting what remains,” the release states.

Questions remain around carbon sequestration project

According to CLFN, leadership has been attempting to engage with carbon sequestration proponents for approximately three years but still does not feel enough information has been provided to make informed decisions.

The nation said unanswered questions remain surrounding the proposed CO₂ storage hub, associated pipeline infrastructure, safety concerns and the cumulative long-term impacts of the project.

“None of these projects should go ahead until these questions are answered,” the release states.

CLFN also referenced a recent earthquake near Shell’s Quest carbon capture and storage project, noting the region is not typically known for seismic activity. While the nation stopped short of directly linking the earthquake to the project, the release argued it highlights uncertainty surrounding the long-term impacts of sequestration technology.

“We don’t know that Quest caused the earthquake; the problem is, no one knows,” the release states.

Calling for federal impact assessment

Cold Lake First Nations continues to advocate for a comprehensive federal impact assessment process, describing it as a way to build public confidence and ensure risks are fully understood before development proceeds.

Leadership said they have repeatedly asked the federal government, Alberta government and corporations involved in the project to bring all parties together for meaningful discussions.

“Our position has not changed: we come offering solutions to avoid conflict later, but the solutions won’t help anyone if they don’t get to the discussion table,” the release states.

The nation also argued Albertans deserve greater transparency before additional taxpayer dollars are committed to projects involving multinational corporations and foreign shareholders.

“Our Treaty partners and the provincial governments need to listen to and act on First Nations’ solutions, not just acknowledge them,” CLFN stated.