In her letter, the Premier outlines her expectations that Indigenous communities are a part of Alberta’s success and asks Minister Wilson to deliver on platform commitments to support Albertans, including:
- Doubling the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation loan capacity to at least $2 billion and providing recommendations related to the potential expansion of eligible projects, including health care, manufacturing, forestry, tourism and technology.
- Working with the Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, who is the lead, to support Indigenous Peoples in Alberta by strengthening a comprehensive continuum of mental health and addiction services and ensuring service provision is not disrupted by jurisdictional disputes.
- Working with the President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance, who is lead, to ensure First Nations and Metis Settlements have access to insurance to rebuild homes and structures in the case of fire and other insurable losses.
The Premier also tasks Minister Wilson with:
- Taking the lead on Indigenous reconciliation by using Jordan’s Principle as a guide to ensure every Indigenous person has the same access to core services as any other Albertan.
- Respecting the traditional territories and treaties of our First Nations and Métis partners and, in coordination with the Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, who is lead, to proactively partner with communities on planning economic corridors and other major development projects for the mutual economic benefit of all.
- Working with cross-ministry partners to continue addressing violence and increase the safety and economic security of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.
- Continuing to build and strengthen relationships between the provincial government and First Nations and Métis communities in Alberta.
- Continuing to work with the Minister of Children and Family Services, who is the lead, on engagement with the Government of Canada and with Alberta communities on the implementation of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (Bill C-92) to ensure the interests of Indigenous children in Alberta are protected.
- As the lead, working with the Minister of Affordability and Utilities to review and make recommendations to accelerate the connection of First Nations and Metis Settlement communities to electricity, natural gas and internet services.
- Working with cross-ministry partners to ensure Indigenous businesses and communities play an integral role in our provincial energy strategy and economic partnerships.
- In cooperation with the Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, who is the lead, to implement the First Nations Regional Drinking Water Tie-In Program.
“It is the greatest honour to be reinstated as Minister of Indigenous Relations. Indigenous Peoples are vital partners in moving Alberta forward to a more prosperous future, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue working in collaboration with Indigenous leaders and community members throughout the province over the next four years.”