Natural Resources Canada is looking help fill the gaps when it comes to first nation participation in Energy projects in BC and Alberta.

It is providing up to $6 million with the program running for about one year. Speaking on the Jeff Andreas Show, Director of Indigenous Partnership Office Nania Sloan says this initial pocket of money is being targeted at the western provinces but it could expand in the future. “Really looking at the increases in potential for energy infrastructure, oil and gas infrastructure to be built to the coast. And so, that’s where it started and so for now we’re retaining that focus in B.C. and Alberta. We know that there is interest beyond indigenous communities in the western provinces.”

Sloan says there is a gap that exists, particularly in the oil and gas industry. “What communities have told us over time is that they want to be meaningfully engaged in these opportunities in the oil and gas sector and they want to be able to meaningfully consider the kinds of opportunities that can be provided for long term economic benefit, employment and so on.”

“Really looking at the increases in potential for energy infrastructure, oil and gas infrastructure to be built to the coast. And so, that’s where it started and so for now we’re retaining that focus in B.C. and Alberta. We know that there is interest beyond indigenous communities in the western provinces.”