British Columbia First Nation files court challenge over Pacific Link oil pipeline consultations
A First Nation in British Columbia has filed a court challenge against the Canadian government’s decision to fast-track the review process for a new proposed crude oil pipeline to Canada’s west coast.
Cheam First Nation asked Canada’s Federal Court on Friday to set aside the designation of the Pacific Link pipeline as being in the national interest, which Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on October 1.
The designation enables the proposed pipeline to proceed through a faster, single federal regulatory review process.
Cheam First Nation alleges the government did not give it sufficient information about the project to assess the impact on its rights before Ottawa decided to fast-track it. Cheam also alleges that consultations with the First Nation about the project were constitutionally inadequate.
Carney said in October the federal government aims to complete the regulatory process for the pipeline by September 1, 2027.
The proposed 1 million barrel-per-day Pacific Link pipeline is a crucial part of Carney’s effort to diversify the economy, which is under pressure from US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Government-owned Trans Mountain Corp would build the pipeline in coordination with Pembina Pipeline Corp (TSX: PPL).
Carney has said there will be “extensive” consultations with Indigenous groups on the proposal, and that Indigenous communities along the pipeline route will be offered a minimum 10% equity stake in the project.