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First Nations buying into Trans Mountain would be a 'game-changer'

While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau understandably took the lead in announcing his government was re-approving the Trans Mountain pipeline, some people who are key to getting the project over the finish line were not even in the room.
Trans Mountain
Photo: Kinder Morgan

While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau understandably took the lead in announcing his government was re-approving the Trans Mountain pipeline, some people who are key to getting the project over the finish line were not even in the room.

I’m referring to the First Nations leaders who are trying to purchase a major equity stake in the pipeline. Several consortiums composed of dozens of First Nations across western Canada are gaining momentum in their attempts to either partner with the federal government in operating the pipeline, or even owning it outright.

The Iron Coalition, based in Alberta, is competing with Project Reconciliation. 

These bids appear to be well along the path when it comes to securing financing and have to be taken seriously. Trudeau himself, in his remarks announcing the pipeline approval, said his government was seeking input from indigenous groups about sharing in the benefits of the project.

“And when it comes to potential Indigenous buy-in, we’re not putting a limit on it,” Trudeau said. “Indigenous ownership in Trans Mountain Corporation could be 25 per cent, 50 percent or even 100 per cent.”

If Indigenous ownership of the pipeline, even if it is only a minority equity stake, actually becomes a reality, it will be a proverbial game-changer. Anti-pipeline activists would find it more difficult to take on a consortium of First Nations who want to build a pipeline to help deliver economic salvation to these communities, many of which suffer from grinding poverty.

trans mountain
Members of the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation embrace after the Federal Court of Appeal quashed the original approval for the Trans Mountain expansion. Many First Nations oppose the pipeline. - NOW FILES

A campaign against a First Nations-owned pipeline would essentially be fighting against their self-determination, which is something so many environmental activists consider sacrosanct.

Having First Nations as a business partner would provide a tremendous boost to the federal Liberal government’s efforts to manage this file.

Trudeau’s approval of the pipeline was deftly tied to a pledge to spend corporate tax revenues from the project to invest in clean energy projects. The annual $500 million revenues would be a huge investment in non-fossil fuel energy projects.

The prime minister’s plan represents a delicate compromise: accept the continued use of fossil fuels for a limited period, but use the money made on its export on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to a significant degree.

Trudeau’s messaging at his announcement was clearly tied to the fall federal election. He is obviously betting most voters favour fighting climate change by using tools such as a carbon tax, and that those same voters have no interest in shutting down pipelines.

Securing support from First Nations consortiums would help mute some of the disruptive protests against the pipeline’s construction,

Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global BC.