As blockades continue to pop up across Canada, disrupting rail and road traffic to protest against the Coastal GasLink pipeline through Wet'suwet'en territory, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney told a conference on Indigenous participation in large projects Wednesday that First Nations are key partners in pushing energy projects forward. Jason Kenney says blocking the energy industry will deny First Nations jobs but not reduce oil consumption. Kenney emphasized the Alberta government's commitment to supporting Indigenous communities financially through its Indigenous Opportunities Corporation, which offers a $1 billion backstop to allow communities to invest in projects. The Woodland Cree First Nation will receive $187,688 to join the province's challenge to the contentious Bill C-69, which outlines new rules for resource projects in Canada. Jason Kenney says Alberta's young, fast-growing indigenous population has a 'huge stake' in resource development.

Source: CBC News February 26, 2020 15:43 UTC