Energy for a Secure Future was pleased to attend the Atlantic Mayors Congress in Truro, Nova Scotia, where ESF Chair Shannon Joseph shared findings from ESF’s latest report, When Our Nation Builds, and discussed how the lessons from LNG development in B.C. could apply to Atlantic Canada. She was joined by ESF Advisory Council member Chief Terry Richardson of Pabineau First Nation.
The conversation comes at an important time, as across Atlantic Canada, communities are looking at how to strengthen local economies, attract investment, create jobs and unlock the potential of the region’s natural resources and energy infrastructure.
While the report focuses on LNG Canada Phase I and the Coastal GasLink pipeline, the opportunity is similar: when communities, governments, Indigenous Nations and industry work together, major projects can deliver lasting local benefits.
Atlantic Canada has significant opportunities for LNG and other energy projects. But resources only create value when there is the infrastructure to bring them to market. B.C. shows what is possible. Major energy projects created tens of thousands of construction jobs, permanent employment, training opportunities and opportunities for partnerships with local and Indigenous businesses.
Partnership creates opportunity
The lessons in B.C. also demonstrate the power of Indigenous partnership, including equity ownership and long-term participation in major energy projects. These models create partnership opportunities for First Nations to share directly in the benefits of development, lessons Atlantic Canada can build on.
At the same time, Canadian energy projects are being developed under some of the highest environmental standards in the world, demonstrating that resource development and environmental leadership can go hand in hand. And the benefits can reach far beyond the project itself, supporting hospitals, healthcare, education, training and other community priorities.
Atlantic Canada has its own opportunities and challenges, but the lessons from Western Canada are clear: working together can turn resources into jobs, investment and lasting community benefits.
