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CANADA – Western Economic Diversification Canada (WEDC) has announced that it will invest more than $5.4 million, through Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada’s Strategic Partnerships Initiative, in support of economic opportunities for First Nation communities in British Columbia. This investment will help support innovation and unlock economic opportunities in the province’s clean energy and natural resource sectors.
Federal funding of $3,950,000 will be provided by WEDC to support the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative, which aims to provide early support to boost Indigenous communities’ capacity and readiness to develop clean energy projects by fostering awareness, providing needed funding, as well as facilitating private sector engagement and partnerships.
“Many First Nations in BC are building their economies through renewable energy,” says Dr. Judith Sayers, former Chief of the Hupacasath First Nation and Board Member for Clean Energy BC. “Having the ability to bring in expertise to assist in the planning, development and operations of these projects is a very positive initiative by Western Economic Diversification Canada.”
A second investment of $1,500,000 will support the New Relationship Trust to create an Economic Development Support Team (EDST) that will provide advice and support to First Nation communities that want to advance economic opportunities in the West Coast Energy sector.
“New Relationship Trust’s (NRT) goal is to assist in building capacity in First Nation communities throughout British Columbia,” says Cliff Fregin, CEO of New Relationship Trust. Our partnership with Western Diversification Canada (WD) with the Economic Development Support Team is a new initiative that will assist First Nations in BC to take advantage of economic projects happening within their traditional territories. Also, NRT is excited to partner with WD in the new BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative, which will assist BC First Nations in pursuing clean energy business opportunities for their economic benefit.”
Quick Facts:
- The BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative is expected to involve at least 35 Indigenous communities in the development of clean energy projects, while helping to create at least 40 jobs, and supporting expansion for 30 businesses. It is expected that this support will also help leverage $5 million in new capital investments.
- The Economic Development Support Team will provide economic development advisory services to at least 12 First Nations in BC. The team will work with communities to help them take steps to advance economic development opportunities related to the West Coast energy sector.