First Nations chiefs demand answers over Alberta pipeline deal that doesn’t mention water – CBC

Jan 23, 2026

Memorandum of understanding opens door to bitumen pipeline to B.C. coast

Some First Nations chiefs are demanding answers from Ottawa after the federal government signed a pipeline agreement with Alberta that failed to make any mention of fresh water.

The memorandum of understanding — which opens a door to building a pipeline to transport bitumen from Alberta to the B.C. coast — does not touch on the high level of water consumption required to pull bitumen out of the oilsands.

It also doesn’t mention the threat to fresh water sources posed by the tailings ponds oilsands operations leave behind.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/first-nations-water-oilsands-9.7057845