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FORT ST. JOHN – A series of economic measures for Treaty 8 First Nations totalling almost $1.9 million over three years will foster partnerships with industry and increase employment opportunities for First Nations in British Columbia’s northeastern oil and gas sector. Minister of Energy and Mines Richard Neufeld announced the measures today.
“Our government is committed to increased opportunities for Treaty 8 First Nations and all B.C. communities in the vibrant oil and gas sector,” said Neufeld. “The leadership and innovation demonstrated by the Treaty 8 Chiefs over the last year has gone a long way in developing partnerships and creating employment and training opportunities for First Nations.”
Government has dedicated almost $1.9 million to further Treaty 8 First Nation participation in northeastern B.C.’s oil and gas industry through its $40-million Economic Measures Fund. The seven economic measures provide seed money to enhance First Nations’ capacity building while developing partnerships with the oil and gas industry that will further enhance First Nations’ economic opportunities.
“Economic measures are part of our New Era commitment to materially improve the quality of life for aboriginal people,” said Minister Responsible for Treaty Negotiations Geoff Plant. “These measures provide opportunities for First Nations to expand their participation in all sectors of the provincial economy, including resource development, shellfish aquaculture and tourism.”
The Treaty 8 First Nations – West Moberly, McLeod Lake, Prophet River, Doig River, Blueberry River, Halfway River, Saulteau and Fort Nelson – have partnered with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers to create the CAPP-Treaty 8 Forum. The forum provides opportunities for frank, positive dialogue between First Nations, the oil and gas industry and government.
“The
Economic Measures Fund is a positive step, initiated by government, to bridge
the gap that exists between First Nations, government and industry, ” said
Roland Willson, chief, West Moberly First Nations. “I amexcited
about the possibilities that these initiatives will bring to the communities
and how they will contribute to the economic growth of the northeast area. The leaders of Treaty 8 B.C. have worked and
will continue to work long and hard on developing innovative ways to address
the economic and social concerns in each of our communities. We are committed to ensuring that this
initiative will be an on going success, realizing that unity is the key factor
for everyone.” “The Northeast Aboriginal Business Centre is a great beginning for Treaty 8 people,” said Garry Oker, chief of Doig River First Nations. “We must break down the barriers and create real opportunities through business development. Building with government, industry and business partnerships is the path to success and dreams for all of us. We’re working to make it work.”
“The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers fully supports the B.C. government’s efforts to build the capacity and expertise of all British Columbians interested in working with the oil and gas industry,” said David Pryce, vice-president, Western Canada Operations.
In addition to the CAPP-Treaty 8 projects announced today, the Northeast Aboriginal Business Service Centre was officially opened. The centre, a collaboration between Treaty 8 First Nations and the Métis community, is funded by the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services and Western Economic Diversification. It provides start-up advice and continuing advisory services to aboriginal entrepreneurs in the region and will enhance the delivery of two Economic Measures Fund projects with office space and administrative support.
The $40-million Economic Measures Fund, managed by the provincial government’s Treaty Negotiations Office, was announced in April 2002 and expanded in February 2003. To date, 112 projects worth a total of $25 million have been approved. Projects will continue to be announced throughout the year.
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers represents 140 companies that explore for, develop and produce more than 97 per cent of Canada’s natural gas and crude oil. This association has 125 associate member companies providing services that support the upstream oil and natural gas industry. Together, these members and associate members are an important part of a $65-billion-a-year national industry that affects the livelihoods of more than half a million Canadians.
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