The federal government says new funding to support First Nations consultations will play a key role as major energy projects tied to Northeast British Columbia continue to move forward.
On Thursday, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty announced $1.8 million in additional funding to help First Nations participate in federal consultation processes tied to large-scale developments. The funding will support communities in both Northern Manitoba and B.C.
But in Northeast B.C., the impact is expected to be significant, with several major projects already underway or expanding across the region.
Projects starting in Northeast B.C.
One of the most prominent projects is the Coastal GasLink pipeline, which begins near the Dawson Creek area and stretches roughly 670 kilometres to Kitimat on the coast.
The pipeline transports natural gas from the resource-rich fields around Dawson Creek and Fort St. John to the LNG Canada export facility, where it is processed and shipped overseas.
Both projects have required extensive consultation with First Nations along the route, as they cross large portions of northern B.C. and multiple traditional territories.
Expansion plans are also being considered for LNG Canada, which has been identified as a project of national significance, adding to the ongoing consultation demands.
Growing list of developments tied to the region
While Coastal GasLink originates in Northeast B.C., it is part of a broader network of developments linked to the region’s natural gas industry.
These include proposed or advancing projects such as:
- Cedar LNG in Kitimat
- Ksi Lisims LNG on the northwest coast
- Pipeline expansions connecting northeast gas supply to export terminals
All rely, in part, on natural gas drawn from Northeast B.C., making the region central to ongoing development and consultation processes.
Capacity pressure on communities
Federal officials say the funding is meant to help address growing pressure on First Nations to review and respond to major projects.
The money will be used to support training, research, communications and technical capacity so communities can more effectively participate in consultations.
“Strong consultation capacity starts with strong governance,” said Celina Dorame of the First Nations Public Service Secretariat, noting many First Nations are currently handling consultation work without dedicated resources.
The investment builds on $10.1 million announced in Budget 2025 for the Federal Initiative on Consultation.
Local impact in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John
For communities in Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and across the Peace Region, the consultation process is closely tied to both economic opportunity and environmental oversight.
Projects like Coastal GasLink begin locally, meaning early consultation efforts often involve Northeast B.C. First Nations before extending west across the province.
Federal officials say strengthening those early-stage consultations is key to ensuring projects move forward responsibly.
“Engagement with First Nations … is more than a box to check,” said Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in building major projects.