Ottawa, July 20, 2016 - The unprecedented electricity infrastructure investments Canada must undertake between now and 2030 represent a tremendous opportunity for all Canadians, and Aboriginal communities in particular.
With this in mind, the Canadian Electricity Association and its members enshrined their long- established collaborative approach by adopting six national principles that will guide their engagement with Aboriginal communities at the national level. This will reinforce and compliment the many local and regional relationships between CEA members and Aboriginal leaders.
“The electricity sector has long recognized the importance of establishing permanent and mutually- beneficial relationships with the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada,” said Sergio Marchi, President and CEO of the Canadian Electricity Association. “The many successful collaborative projects across the country stand as testimony to this commitment.”
The National Principles for Engagement of Aboriginal Peoples are designed to nurture meaningful long-term relationships; enhance mutually beneficial economic relationships and business opportunities; and ensure further consideration of Aboriginal perspectives. They include:
- Respecting Aboriginal Culture, Traditional Values, and Rights;
- Nurturing Constructive Relationships;
- Enhancing Communications;
- Fostering Aboriginal Capacity Building;
- Promoting Economic Prosperity; and
- Facilitating Crown
“Canada’s electricity sector considers open and transparent engagement with stakeholders and First Nations of paramount importance,” added Scott Thon, President and Chief Executive Officer of AltaLink, and Chair of the CEA Board. “As the electricity industry moves to enable a more sustainable energy future, the opportunities to work together are critical to delivering social, economic and environmental benefits to all Canadians.”
Studies show that if Aboriginal Peoples in Canada reach the same education and employment level as non-Indigenous people, Canada’s GDP would increase by $401 billion by 2026.The challenge of course is in the “if”. By establishing permanent and mutually-beneficial relationships with Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples, CEA and its members are committed to helping turn the “if” into “when”.
Click here to read the Canadian Electricity Association National Principles for Engagement of Aboriginal Peoples.