During the last election, Jason Kenney promised that a United Conservative government would partner with Alberta’s First Nations in responsible resource development, putting reconciliation beyond words and into meaningful action.
And with the announcement today the recently-formed Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation has partnered with a consortium of six Alberta First Nations in the Cascade Power Project, that promise is well underway.
The $1.5 billion Cascade Power Project is a 900MW combined cycle natural gas fired power plant located near Edson, AB. The project will represent a big chunk of at least 8 per cent of Alberta’s power supply by 2023.
Chief Tony Alexis of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation said the deal announced today is “transformational” and “creates the blueprint for Indigenous communities to acquire ownership in major energy and infrastructure projects.”
So proud to be here today and help celebrate the AIOC’s first investment backing. Their mandate is to fund natural resource projects, which will benefit Indigenous communities through participation in major energy projects. #ableg pic.twitter.com/BQS6FVJUwf
— Rick Wilson (@Richard4Alberta) September 9, 2020
Jason Kenney said it’s time for the media to start telling the positive story of Indigenous support for natural resource development not just in Alberta, but across Canada.
“We’ll continue to give an equal voice share and a greater legal standing to those First Nations who want to balance environmental protection with responsible development,” Kenney said.
As part of Alberta’s recovery, Cascade Power Project will create 600 new jobs.
