Indigenous leaders have launched new court challenges against the federal government’s plan to fast-track the proposed Pacific Link oil pipeline, saying Ottawa failed to properly consult First Nations.
Two applications filed in Federal Court represent nine First Nations seeking to overturn the government’s decision to declare the pipeline a project of national interest.
The challenges were announced Monday in Richmond, B.C. Leaders say Ottawa held limited discussions with affected communities before moving ahead with the plan.
The proposed $40-billion pipeline would carry up to one million barrels of oil per day from Alberta to a port in the Vancouver area. The federal government hopes to have it operating by 2032.
Cheam First Nation Chief Michael Victor said First Nations support economic development but must be treated as equal partners in decisions affecting their lands.
The Tsartlip First Nation, near Victoria, also filed a challenge, calling the consultation process flawed.
Ottawa says it consulted more than 110 Indigenous communities and will continue to meet its legal obligations.
The new cases follow an earlier challenge filed by Cold Lake First Nations in Alberta.
The legal action could delay the project, similar to court challenges over the Trans Mountain pipeline, which faced years of delays because of concerns about Indigenous consultation.
