Athabasca Tribal Council Welcomed Meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney to Discuss Pacific Link Pipeline
The prime minister laid foundation for collaborative decision-making and economic reconciliation
October 1, 2026 (Treaty No. 8 Territory|Fort McMurray, Alberta) – On September 30, the five First Nations’ Chiefs of Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) met with the prime minister to discuss the proposed designation of the Pacific Link pipeline as a project of national interest.
The regional First Nations came to the meeting with significant environmental and human health concerns - the Nations are located at the extraction point and, as a result, face the largest impacts. At the meeting, the prime minister noted that future, ongoing consultation will support responsible co-development. He also acknowledged the importance of environmental regulations.
Carney continued to identify a number of important commitments to include: providing equity ownership, co-developing environmental regulations and protecting the Athabasca River. While equity was promised to Nations along the pipeline, this previously did not include Nations at the heart of resource development; the prime minister has assured the regional First Nations they will be included in the scope of equity. Equity opportunity and revenue sharing was tabled by the prime minister for further discussion.
“We started this meeting with serious concerns, but left encouraged. We are pleased the prime minister came to the table with a commitment to meaningful consultation and co-development,” said Chief Allan Adam of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and President of ATC. “This acknowledges our role as rightsholders and what’s at stake for our First Nations People and communities. The dialogue shows promise for the future ahead and mutual economic reconciliation. But make no mistake—we will work with the prime minister to ensure his commitments to the highest environmental regulations and the protection of our land and People are realized.”
The regional First Nations agreed to take immediate next steps to confi rm the process for co-development of the conditions precedent for the project to include environmental protections, understand cumulative impacts and economic reconciliation. The regional First Nations look forward to ensuring their relationship with the Crown is honoured and the rights of Treaty No. 8 are protected.
Media Contact:
Jill McKenzie
pipikwan pêhtâkwan
