ACFN files constitutional challenge against Jackpine Mine expansion

The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation has filed a constitutional challenge in the joint review process against Shell Oil Canada’s application for expansion of the Jackpine Mine tar sands project. A constitutional challenge based on Treaty 8 rights has never been fully argued in front of an Alberta joint review panel and the First Nation hopes to set new precedents that may mean changes to the regulatory process. “We have repeatedly tried to engage with both the government and Shell to find better way to address our rights,” Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation said in a news release. “However, the government has not listened to us or made meaningful attempts to accommodate the ACFN in relation to the impacts of this and other tar sands projects. They have failed to accurately inform themselves of what our people truly require in order to protect our lands and rights.” The Jackpine Mine expansion application is scheduled to appear before the joint review panel starting Oct. 29 in Fort McMurray. However, the panel is required to hear constitutional challenges on Oct. 23 before the full public hearings. The proposed application effects 12,719 ha of land and impacts 21 km of the Muskeg River, a culturally significant river.