Latest news with #EconomicReconciliation
CBC
20 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
Oilpatch companies spent billions on Indigenous-affiliated businesses: survey
Social Sharing Oilpatch companies are big spenders on Indigenous-affiliated businesses, according to a survey commissioned by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers released Thursday. Data science firm iTotem Analytics collected figures from 12 members of the industry advocacy group that together represent half of Alberta's oil and natural gas production. They collectively spent $14.4 billion between 2021 and 2023 on goods and services from Indigenous-affiliated businesses, which iTotem defines as an enterprise with some degree of First Nations, Métis or Inuit ownership. The vast majority of those funds — $13.9 billion — were spent in Alberta. "Working collaboratively with Indigenous communities and businesses, the oil and natural gas industry can support economic reconciliation and prosperity for generations to come," CAPP president and CEO Lisa Baiton said in a news release. During the three-year period captured in the study, almost 18 per cent of the industry's supply chain spending was directed to Indigenous-affiliated vendors. In Alberta the CAPP members did business with 585 Indigenous-affiliated enterprises across 110 municipalities and 45 Indigenous communities. Most of the spending was on construction vendors, followed by environmental and industrial waste services and equipment services and maintenance. John Desjarlais, executive director of the Indigenous Resource Network, praised CAPP for holding itself accountable regarding its commitments to Indigenous communities. "As can be seen, the impact is considerable and, as we have seen in our work and through our members, one of the great drivers of self-determination is through economic reconciliation," Desjarlais said in the release. Crystal Quocksister, client service manager at iTotem and an Indigenous data science entrepreneur, said the work with CAPP was about industry transparency and checking the numbers. "There's still work to do," she said in the release. "But I'm hopeful, because I see a shared commitment from Indigenous communities, entrepreneurs, and industry to shape the future of resource development together. And the numbers show this to be true." Staffers of Indigenous descent make up seven per cent of the oil and gas workforce — well above the national average of just under four per cent, CAPP said. In an onstage interview at the Global Energy Show in Calgary last week, the chief executive at Crown-owned pipeline operator Trans Mountain Corp. said it's worthwhile to hire Indigenous contractors not only because they're Indigenous, but "they're really good at what they do." "The Indigenous part would be a bonus, so to speak," Mark Maki said. "But they're good at whatever it is we're asking them to do." In British Columbia, First Nations have been playing a key role in liquefied natural gas projects in development. One of those is the Haisla Nation, which owns just over half of the Cedar LNG project under construction in Kitimat, B.C., alongside Pembina Pipeline Corp. Haisla Chief Crystal Smith told the Global Energy Show last week that there's a misconception that Indigenous groups are an obstacle to development. "We're not a problem," she said. "We're actually the solution."
Toronto Star
24-05-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
Doug Ford says some First Nations will ‘never agree' to proposed bill speeding up mine development
Mindful of concerns from Indigenous groups about a controversial bill fast-tracking mines and infrastructure projects, Premier Doug Ford maintains he's consulting with First Nations — but notes some 'will never agree.' 'People elected us to move quick, and that's exactly what we're going to do,' Ford said Friday in Orillia, referring to the Feb. 27 vote that saw his Progressive Conservatives win a third consecutive majority. The Conservative platform included promises to cut red tape and speed up the approval process for mines, roads and highways so that critical minerals from northern Ontario can get to market faster. The minerals are needed for electric vehicle, national defence and other industries, and could help offset the negative economic impacts of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Ford touted the benefits of more mining projects for Indigenous communities, such as jobs and modern conveniences, and acknowledged he expects continued resistance despite tripling the amount available for loans to First Nations partnerships to $3 billion earlier this week. Provincial Politics Doug Ford government touts $3B for Indigenous loans a day before hearings on the controversial bill fast-tracking mining projects With legislative hearings on Bill 5, the 'Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act,' 'You know, some groups will never agree. Some are in-between, and some are all for it,' the premier told reporters. 'But I feel strongly that when other First Nations communities see their neighbours thriving and prospering and having electricity rather than diesel (to fuel generators), and growing their community and learning trades ... eventually they're going to want ... to do the same thing,' the premier added. 'I'm hoping.' Ford's comments came the day after legislative committee hearings began at Queen's Park on Bill 5, called the 'Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act.' Indigenous leaders fear that if enacted it would violate treaties, limit environmental assessments and create special economic zones exempt from many provincial regulations. Provincial Politics Doug Ford's legislation to speed up mining projects violates First Nation treaty rights, hearing told Proponents argue that the controversial bill is essential for Ontario's economy amid U.S. 'Our treaty is not red tape. Our rights are not red tape,' Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation told legislators after New Democrat MPP Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong) chided Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation Minister Greg Rickford, saying 'you're not listening to First Nations.' Mamakwa's riding near Kenora includes the massive Ring of Fire mineral deposits. Ford warned mining investments will go to the United States, Australia and other jurisdictions if Ontario doesn't improve the timelines for getting mines up and running, a process that he said can now take 15 years. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'With consultation from communities and First Nations, we want to move it quicker because, if not, we're losing investments.' Other critics have warned Bill 5 would endanger wildlife and could lead to unwilling hosts for garbage dumps, because of plans to expand a landfill site in Dresden. 'If a massive landfill can be forced on the edge of our town without a full environmental review, whose town is next?' Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff asked the committee Thursday. Noting that some Ontario garbage goes to Michigan, Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce said 'we need to ensure that we are not beholden to President Trump when it comes to critical minerals or energy or even our waste management.' The hearings on Bill 5 continue Monday. Politics Headlines Newsletter Get the latest news and unmatched insights in your inbox every evening Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. Please enter a valid email address. Sign Up Yes, I'd also like to receive customized content suggestions and promotional messages from the Star. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Politics Headlines Newsletter You're signed up! You'll start getting Politics Headlines in your inbox soon. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
Cision Canada
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
A GREATER ROLE FOR GHISLAIN PICARD AT FIRST NATIONS EXECUTIVE EDUCATION Français
Tiohtià:ke, MONTRÉAL, April 24, 2025 /CNW/ - First Nations Executive Education (FNEE) is proud to announce that Ghislain Picard, newly appointed Associate Professor at HEC Montréal, will also play a key role in the school's recognition, outreach and strategic development, while continuing his commitment to First Nations rights. His appointment to the position of Associate Professor, along with his greater involvement in FNEE, will enable a wider audience in the business community to benefit from his vast experience and expertise on both the historical and current issues facing Indigenous peoples. "Ghislain Picard is a giant of modern Québec history. Throughout his career, he has worked tirelessly for the self-determination of First Nations, focusing on sustainable economic development and respectful partnerships with Québec economic players. In this way, he has helped pave the way for genuine economic reconciliation. His commitment to HEC Montréal, and more specifically to FNEE, is a major asset that will strengthen the voice of First Nations both within our institution and in the Québec economic ecosystem as a whole," says Ken Rock, co-initiator of FNEE and co-lead of the Economic Reconciliation program. Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Québec-Labrador (AFNQL) from 1992 to 2025, Ghislain Picard is recognized for his leading role in representing Indigenous communities and his involvement in First Nations governance. Since the creation of FNEE, he has actively contributed to its development and influence. As a new Associate Professor at HEC Montréal and chairman of FNEE Advisory Committee, Ghislain Picard consolidates his long-standing commitment to training First Nations leaders and defending their rights. This appointment reaffirms his commitment to the development of skills and self-determination in Indigenous communities, while fostering greater dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples on crucial issues. "I'm taking on this new role as a natural extension of my professional career. During my mandate, I hope to contribute to the emergence of a strong next generation of leaders, rooted in Indigenous values. FNEE is undoubtedly a significant step forward in training First Nations leaders, and I am honoured to be able to contribute further to its impact. Our communities need tools, knowledge and spaces to assert their governance. This is what we will continue to build together. Knowledge is a powerful lever for self-determination, and FNEE is an essential part of this transformation," says Ghislain Picard. About FNEE Propelled by HEC Montréal's Executive Education, FNEE is a management school for and by First Nations, offering short, certified university courses in communities, online and in Montréal. Its aim is to strengthen leaders' skills by combining traditional knowledge with best practices in contemporary management. This one-of-a-kind school brings together HEC Montréal faculty and First Nations facilitators to offer programs in Governance, Entrepreneurship, Management, Economic Reconciliation, Women Leadership and Next Generation.
