In the News

Alberta government to create Indigenous Opportunities Corporation

Planned $1 billion crown corporation would help Indigenous groups invest in major natural resource projects.

The Alberta government has introduced legislation to set up a new Crown corporation. Bill 14: the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation Act would give Indigenous communities increased access to capital and technical support to invest in natural resource projects and related infrastructure. The government says the corporation would increase the ability for Indigenous groups to invest in Alberta and become partners in prosperity. Communities would have the chance to create new income streams through investment in natural resource projects, which could in turn help develop community-level programs and services.

“Indigenous people in Alberta deserve a government that will be a true partner in creating new opportunities so that the First Nations who call this land home can take full advantage of the natural resources that enrich this province,” said Alberta Premier Jason Kenney in a statement. “We want to empower Indigenous communities so they can lift their people out of poverty and become full partners in prosperity.”

In the statement, Chief Billy Morin of the Enoch Cree Nation stated, “For too long, we have been on the sidelines of the resource sector. This will change with the advent of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation. I look forward to what else it will bring.”

For more details, read the Alberta government press release.