First Nations demand national consultation standards as Major Projects chief admits system failing

During the annual general meeting of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, Major Projects Office chief Dawn Farrell admitted that the limited consultation on the Pacific Link oil pipeline leaves her skeptical about Canada’s capacity to function effectively. She noted that First Nations were given only 11 working days to review the project after it was labeled a national-interest undertaking by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

Chiefs such as Rosanne Casimir argued one outlet process forces Indigenous groups to sift through thousands of pages with insufficient funding, demanding national consultation standards that guarantee minimum procedural protections and realistic timelines. Farrell said her office bears “big scars” from earlier projects like Trans Mountain and is committed to improving engagement, though she could not specify how. Critics, including hereditary chief Shana Thomas and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, accused the Major Projects Office of poor relationship-building and limited accessibility.

First Nations also passed a resolution urging the government to suspend the Building Canada Act and repeal Bill C-39, warning that proceeding without free, prior and informed consent could lead to legal challenges. Upcoming meetings in Ottawa will focus on these concerns.