March 7, 2024 — Fort McKay First Nation, Treaty 8 Territory, Alberta — Indigenous Services Canada

Today, Chief Raymond Powder of Fort McKay First Nation, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, and Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations for the Province of Alberta, are pleased to jointly announce the Regulations Amending the Fort McKay First Nation Oil Sands Regulations.

Fort McKay First Nation received an Addition to Reserve lands, which included oil sands deposits, as part of a 2004 Treaty Land Entitlement Settlement Agreement. As part of the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act, regulations were collaboratively developed in 2007 between the Fort McKay First Nation and the federal and provincial governments in 2007 to address issues associated with the development of these oil sands. 

Amendments to the 2007 regulations were needed to ensure they were accessible, clear, and incorporated modernized Alberta provincial legislation and regulations. This updated regulatory regime assures investors and operators that they can advance an oil sands project on Fort McKay First Nation reserve land 174C, which would provide the community with important economic benefits.

These amendments represent a pivotal opportunity for economic reconciliation. By working collaboratively across governments to advance Indigenous priorities, Fort McKay First Nation will be able to generate long-term prosperity as industry leaders and environmental stewards.