First Nations leaders across Canada say they were blindsided by pipeline announcements
Chiefs in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta say governments announced major pipeline projects with little to no consultation with Indigenous communities.
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First Nations leaders from western British Columbia to southern Ontario are expressing concern over lack of consultation before two major pipeline announcements in recent weeks.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced Monday a proposed "Northern Shield Energy Corridor"—a 3,300-kilometre pipeline running through much of Ontario from Hardisty, Alberta to Sarnia. Chiefs say no consultation occurred before the announcement.
Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige of the Anishinabek Nation, which advocates for 39 communities in Ontario, called the lack of notice "blindsiding." "It was blindsiding, but at the same time it's not surprising considering the behaviour of both levels of government," she said. Ford's government began contacting Indigenous communities only after the announcement, Debassige said, describing initial contact as "simply an email blast."
"They need to put a pause on this idea and start to work with our First Nations in designing a path forward," she said. The Anishinabek Nation has not yet taken a firm position on the proposal.
Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict said "direct engagement has not happened with the Chiefs of Ontario," an umbrella organization for 133 First Nations. "Before projects start heading into more than just announcements, nations need to be engaged. Nations need to be able to make informed decisions," he said.
In British Columbia, Tsawwassen First Nation Chief sxʷamisaat (Laura Cassidy) said they were not consulted about a proposed Alberta pipeline through British Columbia estimated to cost $35.2 billion to $43.7 billion. The pipeline would follow existing routes roughly 1,200 kilometres through B.C. and terminate in Tsawwassen territory at Roberts Bank.
"It actually came as a big surprise to us," Cassidy said. The nation learned of the proposal only days before the July 3 announcement and is now engaging with governments to begin discussions.
Ontario's Ministry of Infrastructure said consultation is "the beginning of an ongoing consultation process" and commitments will be fulfilled as the feasibility study progresses.
