‘A tremendous responsibility’: Indigenous affairs minister on upcoming pipeline consultations

Rajan Sawhney on Alberta Primetime Nov 28, 2025

Alberta’s Indigenous Affairs Minister Rajan Sawhney joins Alberta Primetime host Michael Higgins to discuss the new energy deal with Ottawa, consultations with coast First Nations on a potential pipeline, and more.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Michael Higgins: With the signing of this agreement, how close does it get Alberta to an actual pipeline?

Rajan Sawhney: There is a lot of work ahead of us. This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a very good beginning in terms of opening up an actual pathway. We’ve had a regulatory environment in place that did not allow for any investment to even be considered in a pipeline. The MOU at least opens the door to have these conversations and to talk about some of the bad regulatory policies that were in place that we will be exempted from. It’s a very, very good beginning, but the path forward is very long.

MH: There is significant opposition across the border in BC, particularly from coast First Nations.

As Indigenous relations minister, what responsibility rests on your shoulder moving this forward?

RS: It’s a tremendous responsibility and I know there is opposition. I wouldn’t call it significant opposition because I have had some conversations and we know that there is quiet support. Nonetheless, it begins with engagement. It begins with meeting people face to face. I’ve already been doing that and I will continue to do that, just to talk about their concerns.

They’re mainly environmental concerns, but there’s also a lot of questions around economic benefits. My job as Indigenous relations minister is to make sure I’m continuously engaging, I’m listening, I’m hearing these concerns, and I’m doing my best to mitigate. [BC] Premier Eby has said it’s very important to talk to the coastal First Nations communities and that is what I intend to do.

MH: How do you approach the challenge of selling this without a route and without a private sector proponent prepared to take the reigns?

RS: Any discussion about a route has to have Indigenous voices at the table. That was a problem with Northern Gateway, their voices were not intrinsic to the process. We don’t want to make those same mistakes and we’ve learned from those mistakes. When I engage with these communities, I will ask them about their ideas, about their concerns, and as we talk about a potential route, those opinions and ideas will be incorporated in that.

In terms of a private proponent, I think yesterday’s announcement certainly opened the door for more interest from the investment community. As I mentioned earlier, part of the problem was we had a regulatory framework that really impeded anybody from thinking about investing in Alberta and in Canada, as a matter of fact. I am optimistic we will have more interest come to the table, particularly as we move towards de-risking this project

MH: On the requirement of Indigenous co-ownership, what does the Alberta government have to offer?

How do you approach partnership with First Nations in that regard?

RS: I’m really pleased you asked that question, because in Alberta we have a Crown Corporation called the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation. We are a leader in the country by far. This organization has backstopped, with loan guarantees, eight projects so far. It’s $750 million in loan guarantees. What it means is Indigenous communities have equity stakes in projects.

We have demonstrated that this is a tool that works. Many nations that I spoke to in BC are quite sophisticated and know about the AIOC and have expressed interest. I expect as this project moves forward, we will see Indigenous communities express an interest in having equity stakes in the proposed pipeline.

MH: BC’s premier remains opposed to the prospect of a pipeline and is promising to defend the tanker ban.

Is there an approach you expect will work in calming the waters between your two governments?

RS: BC has always been a very important trading partner. We are neighbours. We’ve had a good relationship in the past and I think the opportunity now is to again have further conversations. We want to make sure we maintain good relationships going forward. We’re experiencing a few bumps in the road right now, but clearly the prime minister is supportive given the MOU.

Now’s the time to really think about forging a path forward in terms of how we’re going to work together. I will be engaging with my counterpart in BC to get his ideas and to let him know about the work that I’ll be doing. Ultimately, we know the country needs this project. Certainly BC has received the go ahead for many projects that will be on the major projects list. The challenge ahead is making sure that we’re talking frequently and that we are making sure that we’re resolving any issues that arise.

MH: You’re among the group of UCP MLAs now facing recall petitions.

What message do you have for constituents who are upset enough with you and your government that they’re working to get you fired?

RS: I continue to work hard in my constituency. I feel that I’m very engaged with my constituents. I’ve had at least six public events a year since I’ve been elected, and three I’ve sponsored myself. Any public events that are significant, I’m always attending.

It’s hard not to feel that this is a coordinated effort, given the number of UCP MLAs on the recall list, and perhaps there might be more on that list next week. So I don’t take this too personally because I’m confident in my abilities to represent my constituents.

The only message I would like to say is I’m available if anybody wants to chat with me. I have emails I respond to on a regular basis. I’ll be meeting people actually on Sunday and I’ll be discussing these items over the phone with at least four constituents. I will continue to do the best that I can do to put my best foot forward. Beyond that, let’s see what happens in the coming weeks.

MH: Whether it’s partnering with the Carney government or even recall petitions, any apprehension heading into this weekend’s UCP AGM?

RS: No apprehensions on my side. We had a great announcement yesterday. The premier has been working incredibly hard. She’s very popular in my constituency. I know our caucus is firmly behind her. We’re very supportive, so we’re looking forward to having a great time really connecting with our membership, talking about the issues that matter most to the community. I know my colleagues feel the same way.