First Nations File Lawsuits Over Pacific Link Pipeline Designation

Nine First Nations in British Columbia and Alberta have filed eight legal challenges in Federal Court to overturn the Canadian government's designation of the Pacific Link oil pipeline as a project of national interest. The designation, made in October under the Building Canada Act by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, fast-tracks regulatory reviews and treats main legal requirements for federal permits as already met.

The proposed pipeline, estimated to cost between $35.2 billion and $42.7 billion, would transport one million barrels of oil per day from Wabamun, Alberta, to a new marine export terminal in Tsawwassen, Metro Vancouver. The project largely follows the Trans Mountain route and includes over 500 river crossings.

Opponents, including the Tsartlip First Nation, the St'at'imc Chiefs Council, and the Cold Lake First Nations, argue the decision is unlawful and unconstitutional. They claim the federal government breached its duty to consult Indigenous communities and ignored risks to Fraser River salmon and fishing rights. The Tsartlip First Nation characterized the decision-making process as reckless, while the St'at'imc Chiefs Council highlighted the lack of impact assessments.

Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon defended the listing as a necessary step for trade diversification and the expansion of the Port of Vancouver. The federal government maintains it consulted over 130 communities and aims to finalize project conditions by September 2027. Meanwhile, B.C. Premier-elect Lorne Doerkson has pledged to advance the project for its economic benefits.