‘People often ask what economic reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples looks like. This is it’
Much work lies ahead—but Canada’s energy landscape is being reshaped, step by step, by a commitment to the cause of economic reconciliation.
Organizations like Enbridge and the Stonlasec8 Alliance Limited Partnership are paving the way, today unveiling a monumental agreement that will see the partnership, which represents 36 First Nations in B.C., make a C$715-million investment in Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system. The Stonlasec8 Alliance Limited Partnership gains a 12.5% interest.
Enbridge’s Westcoast system is an essential piece of energy infrastructure capable of transporting up to 3.6 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. Owned by Westcoast Energy Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge, the system stretches more than 2,900 km from Fort Nelson in northeast B.C., and from Gordondale near the B.C.-Alberta border, south to the Canada-U.S. border at Huntingdon/Sumas. The natural gas transported provides safe, secure and affordable energy that people rely on throughout B.C. and the Lower Mainland, Alberta and the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
According to a news release issued today, the Stonlasec8 Alliance Limited Partnership reached an agreement with Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation (CILGC), a subsidiary of Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV), to secure a C$400-million loan guarantee to enable the transaction. Loan guarantees play an important role in advancing Indigenous involvement in essential energy infrastructure.
View Enbridge’s Westcoast system map.
“Today is a significant milestone for Stonlasec8 First Nations and we are incredibly grateful to have the Government of Canada’s leadership and support to bring this deal to fruition,” said Chief David Jimmie, President and Chair of Stonlasec8 and Chief of Squiala First Nation.
“Enbridge’s Westcoast pipeline system is a legacy asset that has operated within our traditional territories for over 65 years. Now, our Nations will receive sustained economic benefits from this asset, funding critical investments in housing, infrastructure, environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. People often ask what economic reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples looks like. This is it.”
Said Cynthia Hansen, Enbridge’s Executive Vice President and President of Gas Transmission and Midstream: “This transaction provides an opportunity to build on our existing relationships with Indigenous communities and help advance reconciliation.”
Added Enbridge CEO Greg Ebel, long a vocal proponent of Indigenous partnerships around energy infrastructure: “Enbridge’s commitment to advance Indigenous ownership opportunities related to our existing and growing energy assets underlines our efforts to be the first-choice partner for the communities we serve. These partnerships—which are part of our Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP) Refresh—allow Indigenous communities to beneficially invest in our operations and play a greater role in shaping Canada’s energy future.”
North America’s leading energy infrastructure company has forged a significant and growing list of Indigenous collaborations.
In September 2022, Enbridge announced a landmark partnership with Athabasca Indigenous Investments, involving a C$1.12-billion sale that gave 23 First Nations and Metis communities an 11.6% stake in seven Enbridge pipelines in Alberta.
The same year, Enbridge announced a partnership with five Indigenous communities on the proposed Wabamun Carbon Hub project north and west of Edmonton.
And last year, Enbridge and Six Nations Energy Development LP announced they would develop together a new wind energy project southeast of Weyburn, Saskatchewan called the Seven Stars Energy Project.
“This loan guarantee is a testament to our commitment to fostering Indigenous economic reconciliation and ensuring that Indigenous Peoples have a meaningful stake in Canada's economic growth,” said the Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Finance. “We are proud to support First Nations in B.C. in this historic endeavour.”
Remarked the Hon. Tim Hodgson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources: “This landmark agreement is a powerful example of how our new federal government is getting things done in Canada. I am proud to support Indigenous leadership and resource development coming together to drive long-term economic prosperity and reconciliation for all Canadians.”
Economic inclusion and partnerships are one of six key pillars that form the foundation of Enbridge’s commitment to reconciliation described in our IRAP.
“This (Westcoast) transaction is one of several such partnerships we have undertaken in the last several years, and we continue to explore additional opportunities for Indigenous partnerships,” Ebel said of today’s announcement.
(TOP PHOTO: Enbridge's Westcoast system has been the backbone of British Columbia's natural gas industry since 1957, serving markets throughout BC and the Lower Mainland, the U.S. Pacific Northwest, and beyond.)
