ClaimMechanism
In the record so far, resource projects facing organized First Nations, Métis or Inuit opposition reached construction about as often as those without it (approved: 4 of 7 vs 1 of 2; under review: 2 of 4 vs 2 of 8); tiny, selected samples.
Articles that cite this record
The evidence it rests on
Supports (5)
- Federal Court of Appeal quashes the Trans Mountain expansion approval over marine shipping and inadequate consultation
Trans Mountain's expansion, opposed by First Nations in court, had its approval quashed in 2018: one of the two opposed review-stage projects that reached construction.
Documented by: Federal Court of Appeal, “Tsleil-Waututh Nation v. Canada (Attorney General), 2018 FCA 153” (external site), .
- The Trans Mountain expansion enters commercial service, nearly tripling the pipeline's capacity
The opposed Trans Mountain expansion entered service in May 2024.
Documented by: Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV), “Trans Mountain Announces Milestones of Commercial Service for Expanded System” (external site), .
- CNSC licenses NexGen to prepare the site for and build its Rook I uranium mine and mill in Saskatchewan, valid to 31 March 2036
NexGen's Rook I, opposed during review, received its construction licence in March 2026: the second opposed review-stage project counted as reaching construction.
Documented by: NexGen Energy, “Rook I Project” (external site). and 2 more
- Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs issue an eviction notice to Coastal GasLink
Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs evicted Coastal GasLink in January 2020, after its approval: one of the four opposed approved projects that were built.
Documented by: CBC News, “What you need to know about the Coastal GasLink pipeline conflict” (external site), .
- Coastal GasLink declared commercially in service
Coastal GasLink was declared in service in November 2024 despite the blockades.
Documented by: TC Energy (SEC EDGAR), “TC Energy's outlook highlights solid growth, low risk, repeatable performance at 2024 Investor Day (Form 6-K exhibit 99.1)” (external site), . and 3 more
Complicates (2)
- Northern Affairs Minister rejects Baffinland's Mary River Phase 2 expansion
Ottawa rejected Mary River Phase 2 during review, the minister citing the Inuit organizations' lack of support: an opposed review-stage project where the opposition weighed in the decision.
Documented by: CBC News, “Northern Affairs minister says no to Baffinland mine expansion” (external site), . and 1 more
- Alberta Court of Appeal sets aside the Rigel approval and sends it back to the regulator
Fort McKay First Nation won a 2020 ruling setting aside the approval of Prosper's Rigel project, withdrawn in 2021: the closest case to a project stopped by a court ruling, though the end came after Alberta adopted a land plan for the area.
Documented by: Court of Appeal of Alberta (copy hosted by ABlawg), “Fort McKay First Nation v Prosper Petroleum Ltd, 2020 ABCA 163” (external site), . and 1 more
Context (4)
- Federal Court of Appeal quashes the Northern Gateway approval for inadequate consultation with First Nations
Northern Gateway, an opposed approved project, had its approval quashed on First Nations' challenges: one of the three opposed approved projects that did not reach construction.
Documented by: Federal Court of Appeal, “Gitxaala Nation v. Canada, 2016 FCA 187” (external site), .
- Trudeau cabinet directs the regulator to dismiss Northern Gateway, while approving the Trans Mountain expansion and Line 3
The federal cabinet, not the court, ended Northern Gateway in November 2016.
Documented by: Prime Minister of Canada, “Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's pipeline announcement” (external site), .
- AltaGas cancels the Alton natural gas storage project in Nova Scotia
Alton gas storage, fought by Sipekne'katik in court after its approval, was cancelled by AltaGas in 2021, which cited the project's economics and its own change of strategy as well as the delays: an opposed approved project that did not reach construction.
Documented by: CBC News, “Alton Gas project cancelled after years of opposition” (external site), .
- Yukon and federal governments approve the Kudz Ze Kayah mine again despite Kaska opposition, saying 'consent may not always be achievable'
Kudz Ze Kayah, re-approved in April 2026 over the Kaska's objection, is counted as an opposed approved project not yet built.
Documented by: CBC News, “Kudz Ze Kayah mine project in Yukon approved again, while First Nation blasts decision” (external site), .
Claims are weighed by the evidence under them, actions first. Method.