The Government of Canada is partnering with Indigenous communities and Indigenous businesses in Saskatchewan to support projects that deliver clean and affordable energy. These projects are critical to building long-term prosperity and energy security, while contributing to Canada's ambitious climate goals.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, announced investments totalling nearly $10 million for five projects in Saskatchewan that will enhance understanding of energy use and support renewable energy technology in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
These projects include:
$4,374,600 to Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) Program Services to build capacity and develop a regional approach to renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation, by and for Indigenous communities.
$2,000,000 to Mee-Toos Forest Products Ltd., a subsidiary of the Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies,for a bioheat project to replace existing propane heating systems at two schools in Pelican Narrows and Deschambault Lake and reduce fossil fuel usage by 90 percent.
$1,604,554 to MLTC Solar Energy to deploy an 816-kilowatt solar farm in the regional municipality of Tecumseh in southern Saskatchewan. The project will be 100-percent owned by the nine First Nations of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council and located on Indigenous-owned lands. The solar facility will be a stepping stone for the community to develop other renewable energy projects.
$975,000 to the First Nations Power Authority of Saskatchewan for a capacity-building project focused on Community Energy Planning for Saskatchewan Indigenous communities that currently do not receive natural gas service from SaskEnergy.
$840,000 to the University of Saskatchewan to create a master's of sustainability in security degree to meet the training needs of northern, remote and Indigenous communities through distance education and purpose-driven practical experience to lead to sustainable community energy development.
These investments demonstrate the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to supporting innovative projects in the energy and forestry sectors toward a clean, sustainable and competitive energy and resource industry while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advancing economic reconciliation and fighting climate change.
