BC chose not to appeal to the federal Supreme Court
Blueberry River veto casts a long shadow
Implications of settlement between British Columbia and First Nations group go beyond development of massive Montney shale formation
The British Columbia (BC) government’s decision to settle with the Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN), rather than appeal against a 2021 court ruling, could be even worse news for Canadian oil and gas development than previous legal decisions to date. Indigenous people in Canada have gained increasing control over industrial development on their lands through several federal Supreme Court decisions over the past two decades. The rulings relate to Section 35 of Canada’s 1982 constitution, which states the federal government must consult First Nations when projects could negatively impact their communities and their traditional way of life. But the Blueberry River decision and recent settlem
Also in this section
28 April 2026
Oil traders warning of $200/bl oil are wrong, and the market should be wary of proclamations that the impact of the oil shortage has only begun to be felt and a that a ‘harsh adjustment’ is coming—even for industrialised nations
28 April 2026
Restoring supply from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Iraq involves complexities far beyond simply adjusting operational controls
28 April 2026
Datacentres will guzzle power at a ferocious rate, but the impact on wider energy markets will be far more complex than previously thought
28 April 2026
The key energy player faces balancing regional routes, political complexities, and creating a clear strategic vision for energy security
