“We are delighted by today’s announcements from Fort McKay First Nation and Suncor about their collaboration on a proposed oilsands mining project on Fort McKay’s reserve lands.
“As our government has often said, the world needs more Alberta energy and it is very exciting to see that some of that energy will come from an Indigenous-led project on reserve lands. Alberta’s government celebrates the important role that Indigenous communities are playing as owners and partners in major development projects and the energy sector at large.
“Alberta recognizes that the world will need more oil and gas for decades to come and we intend to empower Albertans, and Indigenous people on these lands to deliver it. This project is proof that the oilsands will continue to supply the world with energy. Albertans are proud to develop some of the most responsibly sourced energy in the world and we will continue to work to ensure the entire world understands that the words “Alberta” and “energy” are inextricably linked for generations.
“This project is a remarkable economic opportunity for Fort McKay First Nation, the region and the province. It builds on the incredible work done over the last few decades by Fort McKay First Nation to use the opportunities of the oil sands to create true economic reconciliation for its community. This project will create good jobs, generate new revenue to support the services Albertans rely on, and continue advancing economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities across the province. Mutually beneficial partnerships like this one are integral to Alberta’s economy.
“We are pleased to see the federal government recognize their duty to allow Indigenous communities to prosper. We acknowledge that their efforts to update the regulations on oilsands extraction on reserve land indicates a new and more positive approach to resource development.
“We thank federal Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu for her efforts and leadership on this issue. Resource development across the North is an important way to grow the economy, supply the world with necessary resources, and create prosperity for Indigenous communities.
“We look forward to Fort McKay First Nation and Suncor making the necessary regulatory applications to advance this project. The Alberta Energy Regulator will, of course, make certain that this resource will be developed to Alberta’s world-class environmental standards.”