Farrell defends consultation on Alberta-to-B.C. pipeline designation
The federal major projects office chief faced MPs over how First Nations were consulted on the Pacific Link pipeline, as one First Nation pursues a court challenge.
Why it matters
The pipeline would carry Alberta oil to the B.C. coast, and the outcome of the consultation dispute and court challenge could affect whether and when it proceeds.
Dawn Farrell, head of the federal government's major projects office, told the House of Commons environment committee on Tuesday that First Nations have "every right" to be skeptical of her office. Her appearance came two weeks after she told B.C. chiefs that frustrations over consultation made her feel Canada would "never work," a remark she said on Tuesday she regretted phrasing poorly.
Prime Minister Mark Carney designated the Pacific Link pipeline, a proposed new oil pipeline running from Alberta to the southern B.C. coast, as a project of national interest on Oct. 1. Some chiefs said they had only 11 working days to review and respond to the designation proposal before it was finalized.
Ottawa initially planned one month of consultations under the Building Canada Act but extended it to two months after Indigenous leaders raised concerns about the timeline. A federal summary of those consultations found Indigenous groups said they lacked enough information to fully assess the project's impact. Rob Van Walleghem of the major projects office told MPs communities need good information and capacity early, and that the goal is co-development rather than presenting finalized plans.
Cold Lake First Nations has asked the Federal Court to quash the national interest designation, arguing it was not properly consulted and that Canada has a duty to consult with the community. Farrell told MPs she was "highly confident" the consultation process would withstand the court challenge.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.