“The Prime Minister says he wants to rush this pipeline, but he also promised First Nations they would decide if it gets built. Will he approve it if even one of the 129 First Nations along the route says no?”

“Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister says he wants to fast-track the Pacific link pipeline while promising first nations that they will decide if the project goes ahead. Our representative at the B.C. First Nations Leadership Council said the Prime Minister assured them that we will get consent. Will the Prime Minister approve the pipeline, even if just one of the 129-plus first nations along the pipeline route does not provide consent?”

“The Prime Minister rushed the Pacific link project with only two months of talks, and made different promises to different First Nations. I want him to answer whether he will require agreement from all 129 First Nations before he approves the pipeline.”

“Madam Speaker, this is exactly what the Prime Minister claimed, that he provided full, meaningful consultation with indigenous peoples, and he has made different promises to different First Nations. Is he seeking consensus or following UNDRIP commitments while fast-tracking the Pacific link major project designation with only two months of consultation? Will the Prime Minister only approve the pipeline if all the 129-plus nations provide consent?”

“We need to build this pipeline, but the Prime Minister is only using First Nations chiefs for photo ops. Photo ops are not real consultation. Why is the Prime Minister risking this major project just for good publicity?”

“Madam Speaker, let us see if we can make it three for three with the same answer. Last week, the Prime Minister smiled for another photo op with chiefs to announce a new pipeline. Conservatives know we need to unlock our resources and get this pipeline built, but announcements are not results, photo ops are not consultation and Liberals’ claiming relationships with chiefs and councils does not make it real. Chief Trevor Mercredi said that using first nation leaders in press conferences does not mean a vote of confidence. Why is the Prime Minister putting crucial major projects in jeopardy by using first nation chiefs as photo ops?”

“Indigenous leaders say the government's Major Projects Office does not know what it is doing and refuses to meet with them. Treaty rights cannot be ignored. Why did the Prime Minister create this office if it just disrespects chiefs and hides his failures to build big projects?”

“Madam Speaker, here is another opportunity for something new. Treaty chiefs are not the only ones calling out the Liberal government. The AFN national chief that said that those at the Major Projects Office “don’t know what they are doing when it comes to First Nations” and that it is a pattern for this government and its MPO CEOs to act like they are too good to meet with chiefs. The truth is that treaty rights do not disappear when they become inconvenient for Liberals. Chiefs are tired of the announcements and photo ops, so why did the Prime Minister create a Major Projects Office just to disrespect chiefs and cover his failures on building major projects in this country?”

• Personal attack
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  Opposition question in Question Period

  Respect 71 of 100

  This statement targeted a person rather than their actions or views: “why did the Prime Minister create a Major Projects Office just to disrespect chiefs and cover his failures”.

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