Latest news with #Yellowhead
CTV News
5 days ago
- CTV News
RCMP searching for suspect in fatal shooting
Frank La Forge is wanted by RCMP in connection to a fatal shooting. Uploaded on Aug. 6, 2025. (RCMP) Manitoba RCMP is searching for a suspect in relation to a targeted incident that left a woman dead and a man in serious condition. On July 28 at approximately 2:45 a.m., Yellowhead RCMP received a report of a possible shooting at a residence on Keeseekoowenin First Nation, south of Riding Mountain National Park. Officers found two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds and, along with Emergency Medical Services, performed CPR on a 33-year-old woman who was suffering from a serious injury. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A 26-year-old man was also treated on the scene and transported to hospital by STARS in serious condition. He has since been released. Frank La Forge, 52, from Keeseekoowenin, is wanted for first-degree murder and attempted murder, according to RCMP. La Forge is described as five-foot-eight and weighing approximately 150 pounds with brown eyes and a bald head. RCMP said he should not be approached and is asking for people to call 911 if he is seen. La Forge is believed to be in the Yellowhead area of the province and has connections to Kamsack and Yorkton in Saskatchewan. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Wasagaming RCMP at 204-848-2659 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Cision Canada
31-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
CANADIAN UTILITIES REPORTS SECOND QUARTER 2025 EARNINGS
CALGARY, AB, /CNW/ - Canadian Utilities Limited (TSX: CU) Canadian Utilities Limited (Canadian Utilities or the Company) today announced second quarter 2025 adjusted earnings (1) of $121 million ($0.45 per share), which were $4 million ($0.02 per share) higher compared to $117 million ($0.43 per share) in the second quarter of 2024. View PDF Second quarter 2025 earnings attributable to equity owners of the Company reported in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS earnings) were $111 million ($0.34 per Class A and Class B share), which were $49 million ($0.18 per Class A and Class B share) higher compared to $62 million ($0.16 per Class A and Class B share) in the second quarter of 2024. Canadian Utilities invested $382 million of capital expenditures in the second quarter of 2025, of which 95 per cent was invested in our regulated utilities in ATCO Energy Systems and ATCO Australia, with the remaining 5 per cent largely invested in ATCO EnPower. ATCO Energy Systems continues to work on many utility infrastructure opportunities, including two previously announced projects: the Yellowhead Pipeline Project (Yellowhead) in Natural Gas Transmission and the Central East Transfer-Out Project (CETO) in Electricity Transmission. Yellowhead is on track for construction to commence in 2026, subject to Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and corporate approvals. The expected $2.8 billion project continues to advance on-going stakeholder consultation, land acquisition, long-lead pipeline materials procurement, and design work in anticipation of the needs application decision from the AUC that is expected in the third quarter of 2025. In addition, we continue to pursue equity partnership arrangements with Indigenous partners. Electricity Transmission began construction of CETO in the third quarter of 2024, and has progressed substation tendering for civil, structural and electrical works and expects to begin fall season construction in the third quarter of 2025. Electricity Transmission's 85-km of the transmission line are on track to be energized by June 2026 with an approximate $280 million expected project spend. CETO will support renewable energy integration in Alberta and transport electricity in the counties of Red Deer, Lacombe and Stettler, supplying more than 1,500 megawatts of electricity to Alberta's grid. ATCO EnPower continues to see favourable market conditions for natural gas storage operations which supports its long-term revenue growth strategy. The $169 million of revenues in the first six months of 2025, an increase of $9 million compared to the same period in 2024, underlines the strength in our natural gas and natural gas liquids storage assets. On July 10, 2025, Canadian Utilities declared a third quarter dividend of 45.77 cents per share or $1.83 per Class A and Class B share on an annualized basis. This news release should be read in concert with the full disclosure documents. Canadian Utilities' unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 will be available on the Canadian Utilities website ( via SEDAR+ ( or can be requested from the Company. TELECONFERENCE AND WEBCAST Canadian Utilities will hold a live teleconference and webcast with Bob Myles, Chief Executive Officer, and Katie Patrick, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial & Investment Officer, at 9:00 am Mountain Time (11:00 am Eastern Time) on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 1-833-821-3314. No pass code is required. Opening remarks will be followed by a question and answer period with investment analysts. Participants are asked to please dial-in 10 minutes prior to the start and request to join the Canadian Utilities teleconference. Management invites interested parties to listen via live webcast at: A replay of the teleconference will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call until August 31, 2025. Please call 1-855-669-9658 and enter pass code 8121993. Canadian Utilities Limited and its subsidiary and affiliate companies have approximately 9,100 employees and assets of $24 billion. Canadian Utilities, an ATCO company, is a diversified global energy infrastructure corporation delivering essential services and innovative business solutions. ATCO Energy Systems delivers energy for an evolving world through its electricity and natural gas transmission and distribution, and international electricity operations segments. ATCO EnPower creates sustainable energy solutions in the areas of electricity generation, energy storage, industrial water and cleaner fuels. ATCO Australia develops, builds, owns and operates energy and infrastructure assets. More information can be found at Investor & Analyst Inquiries: Colin Jackson Senior Vice President, Financial Operations [email protected] (403) 808 2636 Media Inquiries: Kurt Kadatz Director, Corporate Communications [email protected] (587) 228 4571 Subscription Inquiries: To receive Canadian Utilities Limited news releases, please click here. Other Financial and Non-GAAP Measures Advisory Adjusted Earnings Consolidated adjusted earnings is a "total of segments measure", as defined in National Instrument 52-112 – Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure ("NI 52-112"). The most directly comparable measure to adjusted earnings reported in accordance with IFRS is "earnings attributable to equity owners of the Company". IFRS earnings include timing adjustments related to rate-regulated activities, dividends on equity preferred shares, unrealized gains or losses on mark-to-market forward and swap commodity contracts, one-time gains and losses, impairments, and items that are not in the normal course of business or a result of day-to-day operations. These items are not included in adjusted earnings. A reconciliation of adjusted earnings to earnings attributable to equity owners of the Company is provided below. (1) In the second quarter and first six months of 2025, the Company recorded restructuring costs of nil and $14 million (after-tax) mainly related to staff reductions and associated severance costs. As these costs are not in the normal course of business, they have been excluded from adjusted earnings. (2) In the second quarter and first six months of 2025, the Company recognized IT transition costs of $5 million (after-tax) and $12 million (after-tax). The transition costs were primarily related to activities to shift the managed IT services from a single-vendor service provider to a hybrid model of multiple new vendors and internal teams. As these costs are not in the normal course of business, they have been excluded from adjusted earnings. (3) The Company's electricity generation business enters into, and, until the date of sale of ATCO Energy Ltd. to ATCO Ltd. on August 1, 2024, the Company's electricity and natural gas retail business entered into fixed-price swap commodity contracts to manage exposure to electricity and natural gas prices and volumes. These contracts are measured at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses due to changes in the fair value of fixed-price swap commodity contracts, together with reclassifications of unrealized gains or losses from other comprehensive income or loss, in the electricity generation business are recognized in the ATCO EnPower segment and electricity and natural gas retail business in the Financing & Other segment. Realized gains or losses are recognized in adjusted earnings when the commodity contracts are settled. (4) The Company records significant timing adjustments as a result of the differences between rate-regulated accounting and IFRS with respect to additional revenues billed in the current year, revenues to be billed in future years, regulatory decisions received, and settlement of regulatory decisions and other items. (5) Consistent with the treatment of the gain on sale in 2014 from the IT services business by the Company, financial impacts associated with the IT Common Matters decision are excluded from adjusted earnings. (6) In the second quarter of 2024, the Company recorded an $8 million (after-tax) reduction to earnings related to an AUC enforcement decision on two historical matters the Electric Transmission business had self-reported to AUC Enforcement staff. Forward-Looking Information Advisory Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", "goals", "targets", "strategy", "future", and similar expressions. In particular, forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, references to: ATCO Energy Systems' continued work on many utility infrastructure opportunities, including Yellowhead and CETO; expectations regarding Yellowhead, including the anticipated timing for commencement of construction, the anticipated total investment in the project, the anticipated timing for the needs application decision from the AUC, and our pursuit of equity partnership arrangements with Indigenous partners; the anticipated size, capacity and benefits of CETO, the anticipated timing for fall season construction and energization of the project, and the anticipated total investment in the project; expectations regarding favourable market conditions for natural gas storage operations for ATCO EnPower, which supports its long-term revenue growth strategy; and the payment of dividends. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable based on the information available on the date such statements are made and processes used to prepare the information, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. By their nature, these statements involve a variety of assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause actual results, levels of activity, and achievements to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information reflects the Company's beliefs and assumptions with respect to, among other things: the applicability and stability of legal and regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions in which we invest and/or operate; the payment of fees owing pursuant to applicable contracts; certain regulatory applications being made and approved in 2025; the development and performance of technology and technological innovations; continuing collaboration with certain business partners, and regulatory and environmental groups; the performance of assets and equipment; the ability to meet current project schedules, and other assumptions inherent in management's expectations in respect of the forward-looking information identified herein. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of, among other things: risks inherent in the performance of assets; capital efficiencies and cost savings; applicable laws and regulations and the interpretation and manner of enforcement of such laws and regulations; changes to government policies; regulatory decisions; competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates; evolving market or economic conditions; credit risk; interest rate fluctuations; the availability and cost of labour, materials, services, and infrastructure; future demand for resources; the development and execution of projects; prices of electricity, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and renewable energy; the development and performance of technology and new energy efficient products, services, and programs including but not limited to the use of zero-emission and renewable fuels, carbon capture, and storage, electrification of equipment powered by zero-emission energy sources and utilization and availability of carbon offsets; potential cancellation, termination, default, non-compliance, or breach of contract by contract counterparties; the risk that payments owed may not be collected or received in a timely manner, or at all; risks associated with potential litigation proceedings; potential damage to our brand and/or reputation that may result from a failure to perform, or from factors outside of our control, or negative publicity related to significant projects, investments, operations or activities; the risk of operational disruptions, outages, or force majeure events; the occurrence of unexpected events such as fires, extreme weather conditions, explosions, blow-outs, equipment failures, transportation incidents, and other accidents or similar events; global pandemics; the imposition of or changes to customs duties, tariffs or other trade restrictions; geopolitical tensions and wars; and other risk factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Due to the interdependencies and correlation of these factors, the impact of any one material assumption or risk on a forward-looking statement cannot be determined with certainty. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists are not exhaustive. For additional information about the principal risks that the Company faces, see "Business Risks and Risk Management" in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Company's expectations as of the date hereof, and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation.
Cision Canada
31-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
ATCO REPORTS SECOND QUARTER 2025 EARNINGS
ATCO Ltd. (ATCO or the Company) today announced second quarter 2025 adjusted earnings (1) of $101 million ($0.90 per share), which were $5 million ($0.04 per share) higher compared to $96 million ($0.86 per share) in the second quarter of 2024. View PDF Second quarter 2025 earnings attributable to Class I and Class II Shares reported in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS earnings) were $64 million ($0.57 per share) compared to $52 million ($0.46 per share) in the second quarter of 2024. ATCO Structures ATCO Structures continued growing its market presence through organic strategic initiatives and investment in the base business, including the addition of a new manufacturing facility in Australia. The below awards illustrate the diversity of geographies and industries that ATCO Structures services: Awarded three contracts to provide space rental, workforce housing, and permanent modular construction solutions supporting mining operations in Western Canada, air transportation in Central Canada, and for a women's transitional centre in Northern Canada. These awards total $21 million and include sale and lease contracts. Awarded a Multiple Award Schedule contract by the US General Services Administration (GSA), enabling the sale of products and services to the US government directly through the GSA. Projects previously executed through GSA-certified contractors can now be bid on by and awarded directly to ATCO Structures. Awarded three contracts in the US to provide space rental solutions, including highly-customized special- purpose complexes supporting traditional and nuclear power generation, and lithium mining operations. These awards comprise 85 modular units and total $19 million. Awarded a $22 million contract to relocate accommodations, central facilities, supporting infrastructure and equipment from a mine site to expand an existing accommodation camp, both located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The contract also includes provision for newly manufactured facilities that will be tied into existing services. This is the second award related to the relocation and expansion of this camp, bringing the total value of works awarded to $34 million. Canadian Utilities Canadian Utilities invested $382 million of capital expenditures in the second quarter of 2025, of which 95 per cent was invested in our regulated utilities in ATCO Energy Systems and ATCO Australia, with the remaining 5 per cent largely invested in ATCO EnPower. ATCO Energy Systems continues to work on many utility infrastructure opportunities, including two previously announced projects: the Yellowhead Pipeline Project (Yellowhead) in Natural Gas Transmission and the Central East Transfer-Out Project (CETO) in Electricity Transmission. Yellowhead is on track for construction to commence in 2026, subject to Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and corporate approvals. The expected $2.8 billion project continues to advance on-going stakeholder consultation, land acquisition, long-lead pipeline materials procurement, and design work in anticipation of the needs application decision from the AUC that is expected in the third quarter of 2025. In addition, we continue to pursue equity partnership arrangements with Indigenous partners. Electricity Transmission began construction of CETO in the third quarter of 2024, and has progressed substation tendering for civil, structural and electrical works and expects to begin fall season construction in the third quarter of 2025. Electricity Transmission's 85-km of the transmission line are on track to be energized by June 2026 with an approximate $280 million expected project spend. CETO will support renewable energy integration in Alberta and transport electricity in the counties of Red Deer, Lacombe and Stettler, supplying more than 1,500 megawatts of electricity to Alberta's grid. ATCO EnPower continues to see favourable market conditions for natural gas storage operations which supports its long-term revenue growth strategy. The $169 million of revenues in the first six months of 2025, an increase of $9 million compared to the same period in 2024, underlines the strength in our natural gas and natural gas liquids storage assets. Corporate On July 10, 2025, ATCO declared a third quarter dividend of 50.45 cents per share or $2.02 per Class I non-voting and Class II voting share on an annualized basis. This news release should be read in concert with the full disclosure documents. ATCO's unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 will be available on the ATCO website ( via SEDAR+ ( or can be requested from the Company. TELECONFERENCE AND WEBCAST ATCO will hold a live teleconference and webcast with Katie Patrick, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial & Investment Officer and Adam Beattie, President, Structures at 10:00 am Mountain Time (12:00 pm Eastern Time) on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 1-833-821-0222. No pass code is required. Opening remarks will be followed by a question and answer period with investment analysts. Participants are asked to please dial-in 10 minutes prior to the start and request to join the ATCO teleconference. Management invites interested parties to listen via live webcast at: A replay of the teleconference will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call until August 31, 2025. Please call 1-855-669-9658 and enter pass code 2903671. As a global enterprise, ATCO Ltd. and its subsidiary and affiliate companies have approximately 21,000 employees and assets of $27 billion. ATCO is committed to future prosperity by working to meet the world's essential energy, housing, security and transportation challenges. ATCO Structures designs, builds and delivers products to service the essential need for housing and shelter around the globe. ATCO Frontec provides operational support services to government, defence and commercial clients. ATCO Energy Systems delivers essential energy for an evolving world through its electricity and natural gas transmission and distribution, and international electricity operations. ATCO EnPower creates sustainable energy solutions in the areas of electricity generation, energy storage, industrial water and cleaner fuels. ATCO Australia develops, builds, owns and operates energy and infrastructure assets. ATCO Energy provides retail electricity and natural gas services, home maintenance services and professional home advice that bring exceptional comfort, peace of mind and freedom to homeowners and customers. ATCO also has investments in ports and transportation logistics, the processing and marketing of ash, retail food services and commercial real estate. More information can be found at Investor & Analyst Inquiries: Colin Jackson Senior Vice President, Financial Operations [email protected] (403) 808 2636 Media Inquiries: Kurt Kadatz Director, Corporate Communications [email protected] (587) 228 4571 Subscription Inquiries: To receive ATCO Ltd. news releases, please click here. Other Financial and Non-GAAP Measures Advisory Adjusted Earnings Consolidated adjusted earnings is a "total of segments measure", as defined in National Instrument 52-112 – Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure ("NI 52-112"). The most directly comparable measure to adjusted earnings reported in accordance with IFRS is "earnings attributable to Class I non-voting and Class II voting shares". IFRS earnings include timing adjustments related to rate-regulated activities, unrealized gains or losses on mark-to-market forward and swap commodity contracts, one-time gains and losses, impairments, and items that are not in the normal course of business or a result of day-to-day operations. These items are not included in adjusted earnings. A reconciliation of adjusted earnings to earnings attributable to Class I non-voting and Class II voting shares is provided below. (1) In the second quarter and first six months of 2025, the Company recorded restructuring costs of nil and $8 million (after-tax and non-controlling interests) mainly related to staff reductions and associated severance costs. As these costs are not in the normal course of business, they have been excluded from adjusted earnings. (2) In the second quarter and first six months of 2025, the Company recognized IT transition costs of $3 million (after-tax and non-controlling interests) and $8 million (after-tax and non-controlling interests). The transition costs were primarily related to activities to shift the managed IT services from a single-vendor service provider to a hybrid model of multiple new vendors and internal teams. As these costs are not in the normal course of business, they have been excluded from adjusted earnings. (3) The Company's electricity generation and retail electricity and natural gas businesses in Alberta enter into fixed-price swap commodity contracts to manage exposure to electricity and natural gas prices and volumes. These contracts are measured at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses due to changes in the fair value of the fixed-price swap commodity contracts in the electricity generation and electricity and natural gas retail businesses are recognized in the earnings of the ATCO EnPower segment and ATCO Investments segment, respectively. Realized gains or losses are recognized in adjusted earnings when the commodity contracts are settled. (4) The Company records significant timing adjustments as a result of the differences between rate-regulated accounting and IFRS with respect to additional revenues billed in the current year, revenues to be billed in future years, regulatory decisions received, and settlement of regulatory decisions and other items. (5) Consistent with the treatment of the gain on sale in 2014 from the IT services business by the Company, financial impacts associated with the IT Common Matters decision are excluded from adjusted earnings. (6) In the second quarter of 2024, the Company recorded a $4 million (after-tax and non-controlling interests) reduction to earnings related to an AUC enforcement decision on two historical matters the Electric Transmission business had self-reported to AUC Enforcement staff. Forward-Looking Information Advisory Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", "goals", "targets", "strategy", "future", and similar expressions. In particular, forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, references to: growth and expansion plans and opportunities; the expected value, timing and term of contracts; the expected timing of commencement, completion or commercial operations of activities, contracts and projects, including ATCO Structures' various projects; ATCO Energy Systems' continued work on many utility infrastructure opportunities, including Yellowhead and CETO; expectations regarding Yellowhead, including the anticipated timing for commencement of construction, the anticipated total investment in the project, the anticipated timing for the needs application decision from the AUC, and our pursuit of equity partnership arrangements with Indigenous partners; the anticipated size, capacity and benefits of CETO, the anticipated timing for fall season construction and energization of the project, and the anticipated total investment in the project; expectations regarding favourable market conditions for natural gas storage operations for ATCO EnPower, which supports its long-term revenue growth strategy; and the payment of dividends. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable based on the information available on the date such statements are made and processes used to prepare the information, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. By their nature, these statements involve a variety of assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause actual results, levels of activity, and achievements to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information reflects the Company's beliefs and assumptions with respect to, among other things: the applicability and stability of legal and regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions in which we invest and/or operate; the payment of fees owing pursuant to applicable contracts; certain regulatory applications being made and approved in 2025; the development and performance of technology and technological innovations; continuing collaboration with certain business partners, and regulatory and environmental groups; the performance of assets and equipment; the ability to meet current project schedules, and other assumptions inherent in management's expectations in respect of the forward-looking information identified herein. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of, among other things: risks inherent in the performance of assets; capital efficiencies and cost savings; applicable laws and regulations and the interpretation and manner of enforcement of such laws and regulations; changes to government policies; regulatory decisions; competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates; evolving market or economic conditions; credit risk; interest rate fluctuations; the availability and cost of labour, materials, services, and infrastructure; future demand for resources; the development and execution of projects; prices of electricity, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and renewable energy; the development and performance of technology and new energy efficient products, services, and programs including but not limited to the use of zero-emission and renewable fuels, carbon capture, and storage, electrification of equipment powered by zero-emission energy sources and utilization and availability of carbon offsets; potential cancellation, termination, default, non-compliance, or breach of contract by contract counterparties; the risk that payments owed may not be collected or received in a timely manner, or at all; risks associated with potential litigation proceedings; potential damage to our brand and/or reputation that may result from a failure to perform, or from factors outside of our control, or negative publicity related to significant projects, investments, operations or activities; the risk of operational disruptions, outages, or force majeure events; the occurrence of unexpected events such as fires, extreme weather conditions, explosions, blow-outs, equipment failures, transportation incidents, and other accidents or similar events; global pandemics; the imposition of or changes to customs duties, tariffs or other trade restrictions; geopolitical tensions and wars; and other risk factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Due to the interdependencies and correlation of these factors, the impact of any one material assumption or risk on a forward-looking statement cannot be determined with certainty. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists are not exhaustive. For additional information about the principal risks that the Company faces, see "Business Risks and Risk Management" in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Company's expectations as of the date hereof, and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation.
Winnipeg Free Press
23-07-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Report raises questions about First Nations ownership in major projects
OTTAWA – A new think tank report is questioning how the federal and provincial governments' sprint to build major infrastructure projects might affect Indigenous Peoples' rights — and warns that it could end up pitting Indigenous communities against each other. The report by the Yellowhead Institute, 'Buried Burdens,' takes a look at major projects through a case study of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project and the Ksi Lisims facility in B.C., which are expected to transport millions of tonnes of gas per year. Owned in part by the Nisga'a Nation, the project has seen staunch opposition from other First Nations communities that did not approve or consent to it. The Yellowhead report, released this week, comes amid a countrywide push to rapidly launch major projects, including pipelines, to shore up the economy against U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war. The recently passed One Canadian Economy Act gives Ottawa the power to fast-track projects it deems to be in the national interest by sidestepping environmental protections and other legislation. Governments have been encouraging First Nations leaders to support such projects through loan guarantees and promises of financial incentives. But many First Nations leaders fear their ways of life could be irreparably harmed if governments evade environmental standards. 'Right now, the narrative is full speed ahead on resource development,' said Hayden King, a member of Beausoliel First Nation who serves as Yellowhead's executive director. 'Increasingly, that includes Indigenous partners, but there's not a lot of discussion on the dynamics of investing in projects like these, and there's a risk that has to be considered … 'First Nations are not necessarily the ones merely impacted by these developments, but they're being encouraged to invest in these projects, to be partners in these projects and grant social licence to enable these projects.' Some provinces have enacted laws similar to the One Canadian Economy Act, including Bill 5 in Ontario, now the subject of a court challenge by nine First Nations. And in B.C., Premier David Eby's government passed Bills 14 and 15 — pieces of legislation meant to ramp up energy and infrastructure development that have come under fire from First Nations. Prime Minister Mark Carney has frequently pointed to Indigenous participation in major projects as a means to ensure their success and prevent delays. He has pointed to the $10 billion Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program as proof of Ottawa's commitment to ensuring Indigenous communities have a meaningful stake. The report challenges that argument altogether, calling it an 'industry-driven narrative.' 'While there are potential benefits from participating in equity ownership when compared to shorter-term impact benefit agreements and service contracts, there are also greater risks,' the report says. 'This particular philosophy of 'economic reconciliation' imagines Indigenous communities regaining control of their economies, aiming for self-sufficiency, sustainability, and self-determination. This is an industry-driven narrative that presents resource extraction as the singular pathway to achieve these ends.' That narrative, the report says, could also cause rifts between Indigenous communities that support specific projects and those that do not. 'While uncomfortable, conflict and disagreement are part of Nation-to-Nation relationships — and always have been. However, it is equally important to recognize that in true Nation-to-Nation relationships, the self-determining rights of one Nation cannot supersede the inherent rights of another,' the report says. King said potential conflicts between pro-development communities and those more hesitant lends itself to conversations about the kinds of development that align with their values. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. But that conversation is also about rights, King said, and how courts will strike a balance among First Nations who don't see eye-to-eye on project proposals. 'Let's not have the courts decide the answers to those questions, but let's actually work through diplomacy and figure those out on our own terms, using our own Indigenous law,' he said. King said that discussion should 'feed back into the conversation about what kind of economy … we want,' pointing to the pre-contact economies that once sustained Indigenous Peoples. 'We had these economies, and still do to a degree. So what would it look like to reimagine those, and rearticulate them in the face of the narrative that we only have one option, which is resource development?' he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
23-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Report raises questions about First Nations ownership in major projects
OTTAWA - A new think tank report is questioning how the federal and provincial governments' sprint to build major infrastructure projects might affect Indigenous Peoples' rights — and warns that it could end up pitting Indigenous communities against each other. The report by the Yellowhead Institute, 'Buried Burdens,' takes a look at major projects through a case study of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project and the Ksi Lisims facility in B.C., which are expected to transport millions of tonnes of gas per year. Owned in part by the Nisga'a Nation, the project has seen staunch opposition from other First Nations communities that did not approve or consent to it. The Yellowhead report, released this week, comes amid a countrywide push to rapidly launch major projects, including pipelines, to shore up the economy against U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war. The recently passed One Canadian Economy Act gives Ottawa the power to fast-track projects it deems to be in the national interest by sidestepping environmental protections and other legislation. Governments have been encouraging First Nations leaders to support such projects through loan guarantees and promises of financial incentives. But many First Nations leaders fear their ways of life could be irreparably harmed if governments evade environmental standards. 'Right now, the narrative is full speed ahead on resource development,' said Hayden King, a member of Beausoliel First Nation who serves as Yellowhead's executive director. 'Increasingly, that includes Indigenous partners, but there's not a lot of discussion on the dynamics of investing in projects like these, and there's a risk that has to be considered … 'First Nations are not necessarily the ones merely impacted by these developments, but they're being encouraged to invest in these projects, to be partners in these projects and grant social licence to enable these projects.' Some provinces have enacted laws similar to the One Canadian Economy Act, including Bill 5 in Ontario, now the subject of a court challenge by nine First Nations. And in B.C., Premier David Eby's government passed Bills 14 and 15 — pieces of legislation meant to ramp up energy and infrastructure development that have come under fire from First Nations. Prime Minister Mark Carney has frequently pointed to Indigenous participation in major projects as a means to ensure their success and prevent delays. He has pointed to the $10 billion Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program as proof of Ottawa's commitment to ensuring Indigenous communities have a meaningful stake. The report challenges that argument altogether, calling it an 'industry-driven narrative.' 'While there are potential benefits from participating in equity ownership when compared to shorter-term impact benefit agreements and service contracts, there are also greater risks,' the report says. 'This particular philosophy of 'economic reconciliation' imagines Indigenous communities regaining control of their economies, aiming for self-sufficiency, sustainability, and self-determination. This is an industry-driven narrative that presents resource extraction as the singular pathway to achieve these ends.' That narrative, the report says, could also cause rifts between Indigenous communities that support specific projects and those that do not. 'While uncomfortable, conflict and disagreement are part of Nation-to-Nation relationships — and always have been. However, it is equally important to recognize that in true Nation-to-Nation relationships, the self-determining rights of one Nation cannot supersede the inherent rights of another,' the report says. King said potential conflicts between pro-development communities and those more hesitant lends itself to conversations about the kinds of development that align with their values. But that conversation is also about rights, King said, and how courts will strike a balance among First Nations who don't see eye-to-eye on project proposals. 'Let's not have the courts decide the answers to those questions, but let's actually work through diplomacy and figure those out on our own terms, using our own Indigenous law,' he said. King said that discussion should 'feed back into the conversation about what kind of economy … we want,' pointing to the pre-contact economies that once sustained Indigenous Peoples. 'We had these economies, and still do to a degree. So what would it look like to reimagine those, and rearticulate them in the face of the narrative that we only have one option, which is resource development?' he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2025.
