Cold Lake First Nations push for judicial review of pipeline designation

Cold Lake First Nations filed an application for judicial review in Federal Court, challenging Ottawa’s decision to designate the Pacific Link pipeline as a project in the national interest. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced last week that the pipeline from Alberta to British Columbia would be fast-tracked under the Building Canada Act, with construction set to begin next September after completing reviews and consultations over the next year. However, Cold Lake First Nations Chief Kelsey Jacko told The Canadian Press his community was not consulted despite being situated in the oilsands region. The Assembly of First Nations has also flagged concerns about the pipeline’s national interest designation, saying the federal government is predetermining outcomes without meaningful consultations.