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AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde said First Nations must become full partners in the review, decision-making and regulation of pipelines.

The AFN Chief made his comments to the Senate Committee on Transport in Ottawa Tuesday, calling for an overhaul of the National Energy Board process and the Pipeline Safety Act.

Under the current review process, Bellegarde noted that First Nations are forced to undertake long and costly court battles to ensure respect for First Nations rights.

The National Chief called for a regulatory approvals process that ensures First Nations can make informed decisions about development and that the information provided by project proponents and the Crown is relevant to the rights, interests and aspirations of First Nations.