Canada Promotes Indigenous Participation in Quebec’s Energy Sector

OTTAWA, Aug. 30, 2019 /CNW/ - The best solutions for combating climate change in rural and remote Indigenous communities come from the people who live there. This is why the Government of Canada is working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that they participate in and benefit from natural resource projects.

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today announced over $230,000 in funding over two years for a renewable energy project run by the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute (FNQLSDI) to increase communities' knowledge of renewable energy.

The project will involve and benefit the 43 First Nations in Quebec and Labrador, with a special focus on off-grid communities and off-grid infrastructure.

The funding will allow FNQLSDI to educate communities about the importance and advantages of renewable energy through in-person training. First Nations communities will also receive ongoing project development guidance and technical support for renewable energy projects. Initiatives such as this will help to ensure First Nations play a leading role in renewable energy projects as their communities transition away from diesel.

Funding for the project comes from the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program. The six-year, $220-million program aims to reduce reliance on diesel in rural and remote communities by deploying and demonstrating renewable energy, encouraging energy efficiency and building local skills and capacity. It is part of the Government of Canada's Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, which invests more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes and Canada's rural and northern communities.

Quotes

"This project is designed to better equip First Nations communities with the necessary skills and training to become more involved in the management of renewable energy resources on traditional lands. The Government of Canada is proud to work with Indigenous partners so that they can take ownership of their energy production, create good jobs and boost the local economy, while helping to reduce emissions."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi
Minister of Natural Resources

"The circuit rider program will benefit First Nation communities in Quebec by building capacity and raising awareness. By investing in this project, the Government of Canada is helping to create a stepping stone for First Nation communities in developing concrete renewable energy infrastructure projects that currently rely on older non-renewable methods."

Michael Ross
Executive Director, First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute

Associated Links

• Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program
• Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map
• First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2019/30/c9615.html