Cold Lake First Nations Raises Concerns Over Carbon Capture Project Potentially Being Put on Federal Fast-track

Cold Lake - Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN) is demanding direct consultation with Ottawa after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the proposed Pathways Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) project could be advanced under the government’s new fast-track process for major developments.

The Pathways Carbon Capture project, led by the Pathways Alliance, a consortium of six major oil sands producers, proposes capturing CO2 emissions from multiple oil sands facilities and transporting them via a 400 km pipeline to a storage hub, near Cold Lake. The project is estimated at $16.5 billion and aims to be one of the largest CCUS initiatives globally, according to Environmental Defence.

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In a letter released to the public on Sept. 11, CLFN asserts that the project directly impacts their traditional lands and Treaty 6 rights. Despite Prime Minister Carney's July commitment to consult with affected Nations before decisions on Pathways were made, CLFN states that this promise has not been fulfilled.

"We call on him to meet immediately with CLFN and our Treaty 6 neighbours, whose reserve lands are directly affected by the proposed CO2 injection hub," Cold Lake First Nations Chief Kelsey Jacko stated in the letter.

Pathways Alliance says consultation with Indigenous groups along the proposed corridor began in fall 2023 and is ongoing.

“Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a proven technology used around the world, including here in Canada,” said Kendall Dilling, President of Pathways Alliance, after Lakeland This Week reached out for comment. “Care for the communities where we operate is a core value for Pathways Alliance members and we will continue to seek input from Indigenous leaders and communities, who have a strong historical connection to the land, air and water.”

Dilling added that with advanced engineering and evaluation work underway, the Alliance is also holding public information sessions with local communities and Indigenous groups, which will continue throughout 2025.

Still, CLFN argues that these efforts fall short of meaningful consultation. The Nation is calling for the project to undergo a full review under the federal Impact Assessment Act (IAA) to address cumulative impacts, environmental risks, and Treaty rights. Without it, they say, accountability and transparency are not guaranteed.

CLFN has also criticized the approval and funding process, pointing out that industry is pushing for billions in taxpayer subsidies while excluding affected Nations from decision-making.

“We are not opposed to development, but it must be done the right way, with Treaty rights respected, risks managed, and benefits guaranteed,” Jacko said.

The Nation pledged to continue advocating for a fair deal, proper accommodation, and a seat at the table to ensure their people share in the benefits, not just the burdens of resource development.

On Sept. 11, Prime Minister Carney announced the new Major Projects Office (MPO). "The MPO will help to identify projects that are in Canada’s national interest and accelerate their development," according to information from the Government of Canada.

"The MPO will work to fast-track nation-building projects by streamlining regulatory assessment and approvals and helping to structure financing, in close partnership with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, and private investors," reads the federal government statement.

While Pathways was not on the list of the first five projects to be considered for fast-tracking, it is included in the list of projects that "could be truly transformative for this country," and "are at an earlier stage and require further development," according to the federal government.

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