First Nations have ‘every right’ to be skeptical of major projects office: Farrell

OTTAWA — The head of the federal government’s major projects office says First Nations have every right to be skeptical of her office’s intentions.

It comes two weeks after Dawn Farrell addressed the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, many of whom were frustrated over what they said was a lack of consultation on whether Canada should designate the Pacific Link pipeline as a project of national interest.

Addressing MPs on the House of Commons environment committee today, Farrell said she knows First Nations don’t trust her office and that it was up to her to prove her team’s intent through their work.

She said she regretted that not conveying that message clearly enough two weeks ago.

Cold Lake First Nations is asking the Federal Court to review the decision to list the Pacific Link pipeline as a project of national interest because they weren’t consulted over it.

Farrell said she was highly confident her office’s work would stand up in court.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 27, 2026.

Nick Murray, The Canadian Press