Alberta pledges Indigenous collaboration on proposed B.C. pipeline amid ongoing consultation dispute

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government intends to work with First Nations on a proposed oil pipeline to British Columbia's coast, despite an ongoing legal and political dispute over the province's consultation obligations with Indigenous communities.

On Thursday, Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a formal plan to pursue a new pipeline that would follow an existing corridor to the B.C. coast with the goal of increasing oil exports to Asian markets.

The announcement comes as Alberta's government remains in a court dispute with several First Nations over whether it fulfilled its duty to consult on legislation that could enable a future referendum on Alberta leaving Confederation. First Nations leaders argue the province failed to meet its constitutional obligations, while the Alberta government disputes that claim.

The disagreement has also led to public exchanges between provincial officials and First Nations leaders. Some chiefs have accused Smith's government of undermining treaty relationships, while a senior adviser to the premier has criticized First Nations leadership over priorities in their communities.