First Nations leaders and federal government departments meet in Vancouver on energy

First Nations leaders and representatives of seven federal government departments met in Vancouver in late September regarding energy projects in western Canada, including the Northern Gateway pipeline proposal. The feds wanted the opportunity to hear First Nations concerns about the projects, reports the Canadian Press. The focus of the conversation was government’s plans for resource development, said Chief Andy Phillips of the Scowlitz First Nation. “We talked about current mechanisms and environmental processes and whether they were working or not.” No industry representatives were at the meetings, he said. The task now for Ottawa, reads the article, is “to find a way forward that allays the concerns of First Nations and allows energy projects to move ahead. This week’s meetings appear to be an early step toward reaching that goal.” The Globe and Mail reports that Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver is worried that “billions of dollars” of development could be lost if Aboriginal leaders continue to hold up the opportunities. “There is a tremendous amount of competition – and these opportunities do not stay forever.” The Globe also reports that Opposition leader Thomas Mulcair, who also met with First Nations leaders, said Oliver is using coded messages to pave the way to a declaration that pipeline development is in the national interests. “But you can’t push through big projects unless you respect Canadian law. And Canadian law … requires consultation with First Nations, and that doesn’t include sending Joe Oliver out with his index finger wagging,” said Mulcair.