As the province strikes a Cabinet Committee to evaluate potential pipeline projects, Indigenous participation will be a focus of the members.
The Pipeline Projects Assessment Committee, formed to review and assess the viability of pipeline projects in Saskatchewan, and possible government involvement in investing, stimulating, or generally advancing these projects.
Sask Trade Minister Jeremy Harrison said the government has spoken to Indigenous group Project Reconciliation, which has proposed to the federal government to purchase 51 percent of the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion.
“I really do envision in the future having Indigenous ownership, having Indigenous equity positions in energy infrastructure projects as a significant component into the future,” said Harrison. “I think you would find that amongst a lot of Indigenous leaders as well that we have spoken to. I’ve reference Project Reconciliation who want to be and want to see these types of projects go ahead and want to be a part of these projects.”
The government stated that the decision to form the Committee “stems from a number of proposals from businesses, Indigenous groups, and communities that are looking at pipeline projects to advance access for Saskatchewan’s energy products to market. This includes projects expanding access south through the United States, and projects that would create access through the port of Churchill.”
Harrison said he was encouraged by the BC Court of Appeal, which dismissed an application Tuesday by four First Nations, who claimed the duty to consult over the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion.
Harrison said the ruling laid out the importance of proper meaningful consultation, but that no particular group has a veto over any infrastructure project.