COLD LAKE FIRST NATIONS – Cold Lake First Nations says it was not consulted before the federal government designated the proposed West Coast Oil Pipeline as a project of national interest, despite the Nation’s concerns that both the pipeline and related oil sands development could directly affect its lands and Treaty rights.

The federal government officially added the proposed pipeline to the national interest project list on October 1. The project, now being advanced as Pacific Link, would be capable of transporting approximately one million barrels of Canadian crude oil per day from Bruderheim, Alberta, to a deepwater port near Delta, British Columbia.

Cold Lake First Nations issued a statement following Thursday’s announcement, saying it supports responsible energy development but believes communities directly affected by major projects need to be involved in decisions from the beginning.

“CLFNS has not been consulted,” the Nation stated. “Despite being a Nation located at the heart of Canada’s in situ oil sands development, we have been left out of discussions about major projects that will directly affect our community, our lands and our Treaty rights.”

The federal government, however, says Indigenous consultation took place before the designation. According to the federal Order in Council, the Major Projects Office held more than 140 meetings with representatives of more than 110 Indigenous communities and organizations between July 3 and September 18.

The federal government concluded that the consultation process fulfilled its duty to consult in relation to adding the pipeline to the national interest project list.

CLFN’s statement makes clear the Nation disagrees when it comes to its own involvement.

Chief Kelsey Jacko calls for seat at the table

Chief Kelsey Jacko said he had spoken briefly with the Prime Minister just one day before the pipeline announcement.

“Yesterday the Treaty Six Chiefs shared Grand Entry with the Prime Minister, and I spoke to him briefly and invited him again to our Nation,” said Jacko. “Today, the leaders of the Nations and communities that will be heavily impacted should have been in the room. This runs right through our territory.”

CLFN said the issue goes beyond the pipeline itself.

The Nation pointed to the proposed Pathways carbon capture and storage project, which would capture carbon dioxide from oil sands operations and transport it for underground storage.

According to CLFN, the federal government has described the West Coast pipeline and Pathways project as mutually dependent. The Nation says it has repeatedly attempted to engage Canada regarding both projects but has not had meaningful discussions.

“The proposed pipeline is intended to transport oil from expanded production in the oil sands, including production occurring on and around our traditional territory,” CLFN stated. “At the same time, through the Pathways Project, Canada and Alberta are advancing plans to capture and store carbon beneath our lands.”

CLFN says participation must come before major decisions

Cold Lake First Nations stressed that it is not opposed to energy development or the economic benefits generated by the sector.

“CLFNS supports responsible development,” the statement reads. “Our Nation has long understood the importance of the energy sector and its economic benefits. But development must not proceed while the Nation most directly affected is left on the sidelines.”

The October 1 designation does not mean construction is beginning immediately.

The federal designation places the project under the Building Canada Act’s national interest framework. Alberta says the next stage includes further project development and obtaining the approvals and permits required before construction could potentially begin as early as September 2027.

Cold Lake First Nations says meaningful participation cannot amount to consultation after major decisions have already been made.

“If Canada is serious about a new relationship with First Nations, it must demonstrate that commitment through action,” CLFN stated.

The Nation says that includes direct engagement with Cold Lake First Nations, respect for Treaty rights, meaningful opportunities for CLFN to participate in and benefit from development on its territory, and consideration of the combined impacts of the pipeline and Pathways project.

Cold Lake First Nations says it will continue advocating for responsible development, meaningful participation and what it describes as a fair share of the benefits generated from resources and lands that have sustained its people.