Métis leaders in Alberta’s Wood Buffalo area are claiming that they have been left out of talks regarding the proposed Pacific Link pipeline project by the Canadian government. Prime Minister Mark Carney met with several First Nations leaders prior to declaring the new West Coast oil pipeline as being in the national interest under the Building Canada Act; however, the leaders of six Métis communities state that they were not consulted before this decision.
During a press conference in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Métis leaders highlighted that they were not included in the joint federal-provincial news conference for the pipeline announcement on October 1 and were unaware of the ownership stakes related to the project. Kelly Myers, the district captain for Fort McMurray Métis, emphasized the importance of speaking out, stating that silence implies acceptance, which they refuse to do.
The federal government’s Privy Council Office was contacted by CBC News for a response but had not replied at the time of reporting.
If approved, the Pacific Link pipeline proposal aims to transport one million barrels of oil per day from Alberta’s oilsands region to tankers near Delta, British Columbia. Both the federal and Alberta provincial governments aim to secure construction approvals by September 2027 and have the pipeline operational by 2032 or 2033.
Carney has indicated that a 10% ownership opportunity will be accessible for Indigenous communities, with additional Indigenous contracting and employment prospects. He emphasized the involvement of Indigenous peoples from the project’s inception, offering them a share in the prosperity generated by the Pacific Link initiative.
The Métis leaders representing communities in Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Willow Lake, Conklin, and Chard asserted at the news conference that while they do not oppose the pipeline, they have concerns and queries that they wish to address before any federal agreements are finalized.
Ruby Ladouceur, president of Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, expressed apprehensions about the pipeline potentially leading to increased oilsands development and the associated risks of accidents impacting the environment. Stella Lavallee, president of Willow Lake Métis Nation, highlighted the lack of consultation and information sharing by the government about the pipeline passing through their region.
De Jonge, press secretary for Alberta Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney, conveyed that the ministry has been engaging with Indigenous leaders regarding the project. The province refrained from commenting on the federal government’s engagement decisions but emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships with First Nations and Métis communities.
Leaders from six Métis communities in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region pose for a photo at the Quality Inn Hotel in Fort McMurray on October 13, 2026. From left: Councillors Lana Huppie and Brenda Paquette of Fort McKay Métis Nation; Loretta Waquan, president of Fort McKay Métis Nation; Paul Tremblay, vice-president of Conklin Métis Local 193; Ruby Ladouceur, president of Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation; Stella Lavallee, president of Willow Lake Métis Nation; Kelly Myers, district captain for Fort McMurray Métis; Jennifer Vardy, strategist with Chard Métis Nation. (Image supplied by McMurray Métis)