“This historic agreement serves as a model of how to build strong and trusted partnerships between industry and Indigenous groups for a safe, secure and prosperous energy future.
“The partnership highlights the growing desire of Indigenous Peoples to bring jobs and wealth into their communities through the responsible development of Canada’s energy resources.
“These significant economic benefits will improve the lives and opportunities of many generations to come, while ensuring Indigenous people continue to have direct input into the continued care and respect of the land.
“As stewards of the land, air and water, First Nations project partners will help ensure that Keystone XL – and projects like it – continue to be built with the protection of the environment at the forefront of every decision.
“We look forward to working with TC Energy and Natural Law Energy as we continue to construct this project of critical importance to North American energy independence and economic recovery on both sides of the border.
“Keystone XL is expected to create more than $600 million in Indigenous supplier and employment opportunities throughout the project’s construction.
“Overall, the project will support an estimated 17,000 jobs in Canada and 42,000 in the U.S.
“It will contribute about $2.4 billion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product, $3.4 billion to U.S. GDP, and provide hundreds of millions of dollars in wages and property taxes for workers and communities along its route.”