The Government of Canada supports energy infrastructure projects that will create jobs and economic growth, as long as they are done in a manner that is environmentally responsible and respectful of Aboriginal and treaty rights.
The Government will work with First Nations to support employment and business opportunities, and ensure their involvement in environmental safety and security of energy infrastructure.
The Government is committed to taking steps to improve marine and pipeline safety that will result in stronger prevention, enhanced preparedness and response, and improved liability and compensation in the unlikely event of an incident. The Government of Canada also wants to ensure that First Nations participate meaningfully in marine and pipeline safety so that their local knowledge and expertise is incorporated into prevention, preparedness and response. This will help build confidence in communities regarding the safety of energy development, while creating new employment opportunities.
As part of Canada’s enhanced tanker safety system, First Nations will have access to training and equipment to allow for their participation in the marine emergency preparedness and spill response system. This increased participation will help support a strong safety system by incorporating Aboriginal expertise in local spill response plans while providing skill enhancement opportunities for employment.
As part of Canada’s enhanced pipeline safety system, the Government of Canada will work with First Nations and industry to develop a strategy for integrating First Nations in pipeline safety operations, including planning, monitoring, incident response and related employment and business opportunities.
To support inclusion of First Nations in energy projects, the Government of Canada has created the Major Projects Management Office West and a tripartite forum.
The Major Projects Management Office West will lead extensive engagement with First Nation communities in B.C. and Alberta to better understand their perspectives, address issues and identify concrete measures that will help support their involvement in energy projects. The Office will serve as a single window for First Nations to engage with the Government on issues such as the implementation of Canada’s world-class safety systems.
The tripartite forum will provide a venue for the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia and B.C. First Nation Leaders to share information, identify common interests and align efforts on regional and province-wide issues related to energy infrastructure development, including Canada’s tanker and pipeline safety systems.
These two new measures are practical first steps in the Government’s ongoing effort to work in partnership with Aboriginal leaders to address the recommendations in the Eyford Report. They will help ensure First Nations are involved in protecting Canada’s environment while realizing economic development opportunities for the long-term benefit of their communities.