Premier Scott Moe of Saskatchewan has expressed his desire for pipelines to be built in the province. He has stated that all pipeline projects that cross Saskatchewan will be considered “pre-approved.” This move has raised concerns among First Nations communities, who are worried about the impact on the environment, relationships with Indigenous people, and land affected by the pipelines. While Moe believes that pre-approving pipelines will provide certainty to the energy industry, political scientist Daniel Westlake warns that it may not address these concerns effectively.
Pipelines that cross provincial boundaries or international borders are reviewed by the Canada Energy Regulator and approved by the federal government. Ottawa also has a legal duty to consult Indigenous groups whose treaty rights may be affected by these projects. Indigenous rights advocate and lawyer Aly Bear has criticized Moe’s comments on pipelines, as she believes they contradict the province’s progress in truth and reconciliation. Bear argues that Moe’s announcement lacks consultation with First Nations peoples, putting the government at risk of legal action if they proceed without proper consultation.
While Moe has emphasized the importance of pipeline projects during his discussions in Washington on trade, Bear believes that his announcement is mainly aimed at addressing tariff threats from the United States. Moe has highlighted the economic consequences of not building pipelines, stating that American families would pay more for gas if oil exports from Saskatchewan were disrupted. Despite Moe’s intentions, Bear stresses that First Nations communities are prepared to fight against pipeline projects if necessary, especially if their rights are being violated.
Bear and Westlake both raise concerns about the implementation of pre-approved pipelines. They argue that while making announcements on social media is one thing, actually implementing these projects without consultation with Indigenous communities could lead to legal challenges. Bear points out that Moe’s unilateral decisions could result in lawsuits from First Nations or Metis communities who are directly impacted by the pipelines. She believes that if the issue goes to court, it should be an easy win for First Nations, as the government has a legal obligation to consult with them on matters affecting their land and rights.
The debate over pre-approving pipelines in Saskatchewan highlights the complex issues surrounding energy development and Indigenous rights in Canada. While Moe and his government push for pipeline projects to stimulate economic growth, there are concerns about environmental impact, Indigenous consultation, and potential legal challenges. It remains to be seen how this issue will unfold and whether the government will take steps to address the concerns raised by Indigenous communities. Ultimately, finding a balance between economic development and environmental protection while respecting Indigenous rights is essential to ensuring sustainable growth in Saskatchewan and across the country.
