AMC Monitors Potential Impacts to First Nations in Manitoba Due to Pipeline Repairs
March 20, 2024
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) expresses concern regarding the media release issued by the Province of Manitoba on March 18, 2024. This release announced the activation of the government’s Incident Command Structure to mitigate the impact on the provincial economy and monitor repairs to a fuel pipeline south of Winnipeg by Imperial Oil Ltd.
Grand Chief Cathy Merrick stated, “The AMC acknowledges and recognizes the government of Manitoba’s quick response to the shutdown of the pipeline. Any long-term disruption of gas deliveries will only exacerbate existing disparities that First Nations face, especially those in remote and northern areas, who already have limited access to transportation, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The potential inability of First Nations on-reserve to access affordable and reliable fuel could disrupt daily life and economic activities, a matter in which Canada should also be involved in mitigating impacts.”
The AMC will also monitor this situation and any impacts on gas resources in First Nations across the province. The possibility that gas prices could soar and supplies dwindle could result in many First Nations facing significant challenges in accessing essential services and resources.
“Our people would be the most disproportionately impacted by this issue, and immediate solutions and actions will be required to ensure no disruptions to fuel delivery. We need to work together to ensure their well-being and access to essential services and supplies,” said Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. “Any tables created to identify issues and solutions must include First Nations Leadership. We have been very successful in mitigating emergency situations when we all work together. This was proven through the efforts of our First Nations Pandemic Response Coordination Team. Collaboration is crucial in developing and implementing solutions that address the unique challenges faced by First Nations. AMC is receiving bulletins from the province on this issue, but we also need dialogue, and for that to happen, we need a seat at those tables”.
The AMC remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of AMC member First Nations and will work in partnership with all levels of government and Imperial Oil to address the impacts of these repairs that could result in timely delays in delivery, leading to possible gas shortage on First Nations in Manitoba.
For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of 62 of the 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Nehetho / Ininew (Cree), Anisininew (Ojibwe-Cree), Denesuline (Dene) and Dakota Oyate (Dakota) peoples.