Canada Welcomes Interest in Indigenous Economic Opportunities in Proposed Trans Mountain Expansion Project

March 25, 2019 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada

Today, Finance Minister Bill Morneau issued the following statement regarding Indigenous economic participation in the Trans Mountain Expansion Project:

"Since re-initiating Phase III consultations on the proposed Trans Mountain Expansion Project (the Project), the Government of Canada has heard interest from Indigenous groups in participating economically in the Project, including through equity and revenue sharing. The Government welcomes the interest, and hopes to engage on that topic, in the event that the Government decides to approve the Project. This was communicated to Indigenous groups involved in the consultation process earlier this month.

"Our Government's focus remains on the continuing Phase III consultations that are actively underway with over 117 Indigenous groups that are potentially impacted by the Project.

"In the event of the Governor in Council making a decision to approve the Project, we would be committed to exploring the possibilities of Indigenous economic participation in the Project with Indigenous groups, should that be of interest. 

"We have proposed that the exploratory discussions be guided by the following principles:

• That the potentially impacted Indigenous communities could have an opportunity for meaningful economic participation in the Project;
• That the participation of Indigenous groups could help the economic development of their communities in keeping with the spirit of reconciliation;
• That the Government invested in the Trans Mountain Corporation to benefit all Canadians; and,
• That the Project would be built and operated on a commercial basis.

"The Department of Finance would lead exploration of this topic. Our Government has been clear that no relationship is more important to Canada than the one with Indigenous Peoples—one based on respect, cooperation, partnership and the recognition of rights."