Indigenous groups given just 2 months to consult on Pacific Link pipeline designation
The government said it will work over the next year to complete consultations on the project itself, and to secure environmental safeguards, financing and Indigenous partnerships.
Indigenous groups along the proposed route for the Pacific Link pipeline in British Columbia have been given just two months to provide input on whether the pipeline should be designated a project of national interest. The consultation period was initially set for one month but was extended following concerns from Indigenous leaders about the tight timeline.
The federal government extended the deadline from August 28 to September 18 after Indigenous leaders raised concerns about insufficient information and the potential lack of ability to fully assess the project's impact. The pipeline has received the first national interest designation under Canada's Major Projects Act, which aims to streamline oversight and approvals.
However, Indigenous leaders warn that this designation could risk violating their rights under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Section 35 of the Constitution.
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