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- calendar_today October 15, 2026
Métis Leaders Raise Concerns Over Pacific Link Pipeline Consultation
Métis leaders in the Fort McMurray region of Alberta are voicing frustration over what they describe as a lack of consultation by the federal government regarding the proposed Pacific Link pipeline. While Prime Minister Mark Carney has met with local First Nations chiefs to discuss the pipeline, leaders from six Métis communities say they have not been involved in the discussions or consultations about the project.
Pipeline Announcement Excludes Métis Leadership
The issue was highlighted at a news conference in Fort McMurray, where Métis leaders noted they were not invited to the official joint federal-provincial news conference announcing the Pacific Link pipeline on October 1, 2026. The leaders also said they were uninformed about potential ownership stakes for their communities in the project. Kelly Myers, district captain for Fort McMurray Métis, expressed disappointment, stating, Based on the fact that there were so many others that were invited to this announcement and we were not clearly shows a sign of disrespect to Métis as a whole, and it’s one that we’re just not going to accept.
Pipeline Project Details and Indigenous Participation
The proposed Pacific Link pipeline is designed to transport up to one million barrels of oil daily from Alberta’s oilsands region to a deepwater port near Delta, British Columbia. Approval and construction are targeted by September 2027, with the pipeline expected to be operational between 2032 and 2033. The federal government and Alberta province have stated commitments to Indigenous engagement, with Prime Minister Carney announcing that a 10 percent ownership stake in the project would be offered to Indigenous communities, alongside opportunities for contracting and employment. Carney stated during the project announcement, We’re developing this pipeline with Indigenous peoples involved from the start. This is the start of that development with the opportunities to share in the prosperity that Pacific Link will create.
Métis Communities Seek Involvement and Raise Environmental Concerns
The Métis leaders representing Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Willow Lake, Conklin, and Chard stated that they do not necessarily oppose the pipeline project. However, they seek an opportunity to voice their concerns and raise questions before any federal approvals are granted. Ruby Ladouceur, president of Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, expressed apprehension that the pipeline could spur further oilsands development, referencing Premier Danielle Smith’s previous call to double oilsands production to eight million barrels daily by 2035. Ladouceur worries that increased production heightens the risk of accidents and associated environmental impacts affecting water, land, and air quality. Stella Lavallee, president of Willow Lake Métis Nation, similarly emphasized that their communities had been left out of the conversation, despite the pipeline traversing their region.
Government Responses and Commitment to Indigenous Engagement
The Alberta government responded to CBC News through Zoe De Jonge, press secretary for Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney, stating that the ministry is meeting with Indigenous leaders about the Pacific Link pipeline project. De Jonge affirmed, Our commitment to engaging with First Nations and Métis communities remains a priority for Alberta’s government. Minister Sawhney has met with Métis leaders and communities across the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region, and remains committed to maintaining those relationships through continued dialogue and engagement. The Privy Council Office, representing the federal government, was contacted by CBC News but did not respond before publication.
Ongoing Calls for Equal Participation
As discussions on the Pacific Link pipeline continue, Métis leaders from northern Alberta stress the importance of inclusive and transparent consultation involving all Indigenous communities whose lands and interests are affected by major energy infrastructure projects.
Source: cbc.ca.
