Canada’s New Oil Pipeline Challenged by Cold Lake First Nations

Cold Lake First Nations (CLFNS) is contesting the Canadian federal government's classification of a new oil pipeline project as a project of national interest. Last week, the federal government declared the new West Coast Oil Pipeline, also known as Pacific Link, a project of national interest, which would accelerate its development.

This ambitious pipeline, which would transport one million barrels of oil per day to British Columbia's coast, is a partnership between Canada and Alberta. The federal government's designation of the pipeline as a project of national interest means that both Canada and Alberta will share equal ownership, while Indigenous communities will receive a minimum of 10% ownership, funded by Canada and Alberta's Indigenous Loan Guarantee Programs.

The pipeline is being developed by private sector investor Pembina Pipeline Corporation, with Trans Mountain Corporation leading the project. The pipeline is planned to follow a southern route, avoiding highly sensitive ecosystems, such as the Great Bear Sea. Despite the CLFNS's repeated requests for meaningful consultation on the pipeline, the federal government proceeded with the national interest designation without engaging with the nation.

CLFNS remains committed to finding a mutually beneficial path forward, but the burden now falls on Canada to initiate discussions outside of court.