Should Canada Assess Cumulative Oil and Gas Impacts on Indigenous Rights in the Montney Formation?

Official title: Regional Assessment of the Montney Formation

Closed Environmental Assessment Environment & Climate Indigenous & Northern Natural Resources
Duncan's First Nation has asked the federal government to study how oil and gas development in northwestern Alberta's Montney Formation affects Indigenous communities. The Montney is one of Canada's largest natural gas plays. This regional assessment would look at cumulative impacts—not just one project, but the combined effects of all development in the area.

Why This Matters

Live in northwestern Alberta? Hunt, fish, or gather in the region? This assessment could document how decades of oil and gas development have changed the land and water. For Indigenous communities, it's about protecting rights and traditional practices. For industry, it could shape future development rules.

What Could Change

If the Minister approves this request, a formal regional assessment would begin. That could lead to new conditions on oil and gas projects in the Montney Formation. It might also establish baseline data on cumulative environmental effects that future projects would need to address.

Key Issues

  • Should the Minister approve a regional assessment of the Montney Formation?
  • What are the cumulative impacts of oil and gas development on Indigenous rights and practices?

Indigenous Consultation

This consultation requires engagement with Indigenous communities under the Crown's duty to consult.