Fort McKay First Nation Oil Sands Regulations amendments advance economic reconciliation in Alberta
News release
March 7, 2024 — Fort McKay First Nation, Treaty 8 Territory, Alberta — Indigenous Services Canada
Today, Chief Raymond Powder of Fort McKay First Nation, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, and Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations for the Province of Alberta, are pleased to jointly announce the Regulations Amending the Fort McKay First Nation Oil Sands Regulations.
Fort McKay First Nation received an Addition to Reserve lands, which included oil sands deposits, as part of a 2004 Treaty Land Entitlement Settlement Agreement. As part of the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act, regulations were collaboratively developed in 2007 between the Fort McKay First Nation and the federal and provincial governments in 2007 to address issues associated with the development of these oil sands.
Amendments to the 2007 regulations were needed to ensure they were accessible, clear, and incorporated modernized Alberta provincial legislation and regulations. This updated regulatory regime assures investors and operators that they can advance an oil sands project on Fort McKay First Nation reserve land 174C, which would provide the community with important economic benefits.
These amendments represent a pivotal opportunity for economic reconciliation. By working collaboratively across governments to advance Indigenous priorities, Fort McKay First Nation will be able to generate long-term prosperity as industry leaders and environmental stewards.
Quotes
“Fort McKay First Nation has long been at the forefront of economic development in Northern Alberta, both as a business leader and an environmental steward. We know from experience that this works best when all interested parties are focused on the same outcomes, well-paying jobs for First Nations and environmental leadership. This is what it means to live reconciliation.”
– Raymond Powder
Chief, Fort McKay First Nation
“Opportunity must be available to all Indigenous communities. Our government is committed to inclusion and sustainable development for everyone across Canada. As legislation changes over time, it must be updated – this includes the Fort McKay First Nations Oil Sands Regulations.”
– Randy Boissonnault
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages
“Alberta’s government is deeply committed to economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. By removing longstanding barriers to economic development, these amendments will help support future economic growth and job creation for the Fort McKay First Nation.”
– Rick Wilson
Minister of Indigenous Relations, Province of Alberta
Quick facts
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In 2006, the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act (FNCIDA) came into force to address regulatory gaps between on- and off-reserve economic activities.
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FNCIDA regulations are a First Nation-driven, opt-in option to support on-reserve economic opportunities.
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The Fort McKay First Nation Oil Sands Regulations came into force under FNCIDA in 2007 to enable oil sands mining on Fort McKay First Nation Indian Reserve No. 174C.
Associated links
Contacts
For more information, media may contact:
Simon Ross
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
simon.ross@sac-isc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
media@sac-isc.gc.ca
Therese Greenwood
Senior Manager of Communications
Fort McKay First Nation
communications@fortmckay.com
James Snell
Press Secretary
Alberta Energy and Minerals
780-850-6467
james.snell@gov.ab.ca
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