An Alberta First Nation is taking Ottawa to court over the federal government’s decision to designate the planned Pacific Link oil pipeline a priority in the national interest. The legal challenge represents the first pushback against the federal effort to fast-track the project.
The application for judicial review was filed by Cold Lake First Nations on Thursday in Federal Court.
Indigenous Groups Challenge Federal Project Fast-Track Legislation
The Pacific Link pipeline was recently named the first major project to receive a national priority designation under the federal Building Canada Act, a cornerstone of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s economic agenda. The fast-tracked regulatory process aims to complete reviews and consultations over the next year so that construction can begin next September, with the project targeted to be operational by 2032.
However, Indigenous groups have criticized the legislation over fears that an accelerated approval process could trample treaty rights. Chief Kelsey Jacko stated that his community was left out of talks on the pipeline designation despite sitting in the middle of oil sands development.
“All the oil comes from my traditional territories, but yet we’re left out of the equity talks. It’s very troublesome,” Chief Jacko said.
Ties to the Pathways Carbon Capture Project
The application for judicial review also focuses on a massive carbon capture project linked to the oil sands.
Chief Jacko noted that Cold Lake has raised concerns since 2023 regarding environmental, geological, and safety risks tied to the proposed carbon storage hub, as well as cumulative impacts in its territories.
While supporting responsible resource development, Chief Jacko emphasized that the community wants to ensure activity is done right with meaningful consultation. Although legal action is underway, he stated that the move “does not close the door to working with Canada,” adding, “responsibility to take the first step outside the courtroom now rests with Canada.”
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