Canada stands at a critical economic crossroads, facing urgent pressure to restructure its economy amid new tariffs and ongoing trade threats from the United States, our largest trading partner. According to Harold Calla, Executive Board Member of the First Nations Financial Management Board, this challenging moment also represents a significant opportunity for national transformation.
The Imperative for Indigenous Economic Inclusion
The federal government, provinces, and private sector must work collectively to build a more independent, resilient, and sustainable Canadian economy. Political will to unleash major development projects and leverage natural resources for new market opportunities has never been stronger. However, this bold vision cannot succeed without meaningful Indigenous participation, which ultimately benefits all Canadians.
Indigenous communities are actively open for business, building on a history of thriving pre-colonial economies and working to regain economic footing after being systematically excluded by the Indian Act. Across the nation, significant economic development projects are progressing with Indigenous involvement.
Strategic Advantages of Indigenous Partnerships
Respecting Indigenous rights and removing barriers to economic inclusion represents not just an economic necessity but a strategic advantage that attracts investment. Indigenous lands play crucial roles in proposed major projects spanning natural resource development, telecommunications, and transportation sectors.
Moving forward requires meaningful consultation with Indigenous Peoples, their active participation, and respect for legally protected Indigenous rights. The principle of free, prior, and informed consent serves as both a legal and moral standard upheld by Canadian courts and a framework for successful partnerships that build lasting prosperity.
Cedar LNG: A Model for Success
The Cedar LNG project in British Columbia exemplifies what's possible through genuine collaboration. This groundbreaking initiative leverages Canada's abundant natural gas supply and British Columbia's growing LNG infrastructure to produce Canadian liquefied natural gas for international markets.
Notably, Cedar LNG represents the world's first Indigenous majority-owned LNG project and will feature one of the cleanest environmental profiles globally. The project emerged from a $200-million contribution agreement between the Government of British Columbia and Haisla Nation to support essential infrastructure development.
British Columbia Premier David Eby participated in announcing this significant partnership, which provides tremendous opportunities for both the Haisla Nation and the broader region. First Nations consistently reinvest financial benefits from economic participation into their communities, regions, and across Canada.
Increasing opportunities for meaningful Indigenous participation will generate financial and employment benefits for all Canadians while substantially advancing the crucial process of economic reconciliation.
