Partnering with Indigenous Peoples, communities and businesses is critical to building inclusive, sustainable and resilient natural resource sectors in Canada.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, announced at the Energy and Mines Ministers' Conference $13.5 million in funding for the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) as part of the Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships (INRP) program.
This funding is part of the Budget 2022 commitment of $100 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to expand the Indigenous Partnership Office (IPO) and the INRP to all regions in Canada.
It will provide opportunities for Indigenous communities across all regions in Canada to benefit from all types of natural resource projects, including critical minerals, and will contribute to advancing Canada's net-zero by 2050 targets.
This funding will also support the FNMPC to empower member First Nations with the tools, capacity and advice to make informed business decisions concerning natural resource and infrastructure projects proposed in their territories.
Further, the funding will support the implementation of FNMPC's five-year strategic plan, which aims to increase Indigenous participation in the natural resource economy and increase awareness of the benefits of incorporating First Nations knowledge and environmental stewardship priorities in major projects.
FNMPC's plan aims to increase Indigenous opportunities and participation in the natural resource sectors and enhance business relationships between Indigenous communities, governments and industry.
Renewal and expansion of the IPO and the INRP program directly responds to feedback from Indigenous partners. This funding will support Indigenous communities and businesses in achieving their economic objectives in the natural resource sectors and facilitate the development of resilient, sustainable and inclusive natural resource sectors by advancing meaningful partnerships with Indigenous Peoples and promoting Indigenous leadership in the net-zero transition.
