By: Chantel Downes,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Lakeland This Week
Pathways Carbon Capture and Storage Project.
In an announcement in Fort McMurray on Oct. 1, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the new west coast pipeline, to be called Pacific Link, was a major project in the national interest.
Cold Lake First Nations has since filed a Federal Court application, challenging Canada’s decision to designate the pipeline as a project of national interest.
The application was filed Oct. 8, according to Isabella West, communications coordinator for Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN). The federal government, Alberta and Oil Sands Alliance Inc. are named as respondents.
The Nation says Canada has described the pipeline and the Pathways Carbon Capture and Storage Project as being “mutually dependent,” but is seeking meaningful consultation on both.
“We haven’t been consulted. The oil comes from our territories, yet we’ve been left out of the conversations that affect us,” said Chief Kelsey Jacko.
CLFN is asking the court to overturn the designation and require Canada to consult and accommodate the Nation. West said the Nation has repeatedly sought engagement on both projects and has raised concerns about Pathways for three years.
The Pacific Link Pipeline is intended to carry up to one million barrels of crude oil per day from Alberta to the British Columbia coast.
The Pathways project would capture carbon dioxide from oil sands facilities, transport it through a pipeline network and store it underground. Its proposed storage hub is in the Cold Lake region, within CLFN’s traditional territory.
The Nation says it has concerns about potential effects on groundwater, wildlife, infrastructure and human health, as well as the cumulative effects of industrial development on Treaty rights. It also says it has not received technical or scientific information about the proposed storage hub despite repeated requests.
“Meaningful consultation means having Cold Lake First Nations at the table before major decisions are made, not informing us afterward,” West said.
Jacko said the Nation had previously trusted the government and was now being asked to do so again without a meaningful role in discussions.
“With this, we’re making it clear – the days of others making decisions for us are over. CLFN will use all available avenues and resources at its disposal,” said Jacko.
MLA says designation is important milestone
Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr said “Pacific Link’s designation as a project of national interest is an important milestone for Alberta and Canada. The proposed pipeline would transport one million barrels of oil per day to the West Coast, improving access to Asia-Pacific markets and strengthening Canada’s energy security and economic competitiveness.”
He added, “Here in the Lakeland, energy development means workers heading out before sunrise, service trucks travelling our highways, and local businesses supporting our communities. Greater market access could encourage investment in regional oil production and help sustain these opportunities for generations.”
The designation advances the federal review process, with a conditions document targeted for Sept. 1, 2027, said Cyr.
“Construction remains subject to applicable consultation and regulatory requirements.”
CAPP statement
In a statement posted on Canadian Association of Petroleum producers (CAPP’s) website, Lisa Baiton, president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, welcomed the Oct. 1 designation.
“Diversifying our oil exports and increasing our capacity to trade with other nations means growth in the Canadian economy, growth in Canadian jobs, and growth in Canada’s global role as an energy superpower,” said Baiton.
The “designation is an important step toward providing the certainty needed to advance this major nation-building project that can deliver lasting economic benefits for communities across the country, including 140,000 jobs, $20 billion per year in GDP, $100 billion in government revenue by 2060, and unlock Canada’s full energy potential,” added Baiton.