Premier Wab Kinew affirms that Indigenous leaders in northern Manitoba are not opposing the proposed liquefied natural gas pipeline, which is part of the Port of Churchill expansion plans. While formal consultations have not started, Kinew mentioned in a recent interview that chiefs collaborating with the province on the port project do not show opposition to the pipeline.
According to Kinew, the chiefs from northern Manitoba, including members of Arctic Gateway Group, the owner of the Port of Churchill, are well-informed about the inclusion of a liquefied natural gas pipeline in the port expansion discussions. Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), representing 26 northern First Nations, has not explicitly endorsed the pipeline project, stating that each First Nation will independently decide on resource development initiatives.
MKO emphasized the importance of governments meeting their constitutional obligations and respecting the rights and jurisdiction of First Nations, particularly in consultation processes for major projects like energy corridors in northern Manitoba. Clayton Thomas-Müller, a Cree activist, cautioned against premature assertions by Kinew regarding opposition to pipelines, highlighting the absence of consultations in his community regarding the proposed pipeline.
Grand Chief Garrison Settee of MKO echoed similar sentiments, expressing concerns about the consultation process and the presumption that rights are pre-justified, emphasizing the need for meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities. The province and Arctic Gateway Group are still evaluating the Port of Churchill expansion and the pipeline proposal, with no public cost estimates available yet.
Kinew mentioned a deadline set by Prime Minister Mark Carney for Manitoba to construct a gas pipeline to Churchill by 2030. Despite differing opinions and calls for thorough consultations, the future of the liquefied natural gas pipeline in northern Manitoba remains under review.