A member of the Indigenous advisory council within the major projects office expressed surprise over the federal government’s recent agreement with Alberta, paving the way for a pipeline to B.C.’s coast. Trevor Mercredi, grand chief of Treaty 8 First Nations in Alberta, revealed that he and his colleagues were not informed in advance about the memorandum of understanding signed last month. The lack of consultation with the council, according to Mercredi, raises concerns about the deal being announced without input from the First Nations they represent.
Mercredi emphasized that the major projects office, established to expedite approvals for significant projects and support the Canadian economy, did not seek advice from the Indigenous advisory council on the agreement. The inclusion of the council was intended to involve Indigenous leaders in the decision-making process and address their specific issues. However, Mercredi stated that they were not informed about the discussions between the federal government and Alberta until the agreement was publicly disclosed.