New report says partnerships key to fuller Aboriginal participation in natural resource development

OTTAWA, Oct. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Building authentic partnerships, enhancing community control over decisions, developing human capital, promoting entrepreneurship and increasing financial participation can all help advance Aboriginal engagement in natural resource development.

These are the findings of a new Public Policy Forum report, Building Authentic Partnerships: Aboriginal Participation in Major Resource Development Opportunities. The report synthesizes the results of six recent roundtable discussions with leaders from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities along with executives from the Canadian resources, legal and financial sectors, university and college executives and senior government officials. It also provides specific recommendations for each sector, reflecting shared responsibility for action.

Over the next several years, more than 500 Aboriginal communities across Canada will find themselves living in the heart of some of the biggest oil, gas, forestry and mining projects the country has seen in decades. Debates over pipelines, accelerated foreign investment, and the push for a national energy strategy have turned a spotlight on the central role that Aboriginal communities can play in these projects.

"Authentic partnerships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities will ensure the benefits of resource development are shared fairly and that projects move forward sustainably," said David Mitchell, President and CEO of the Public Policy Forum. "This initiative represents a crucial first step in creating a space for dialogue among leaders from all sectors on this important public policy issue."

The Forum released the final report today at the Aboriginal Entrepreneurs Conference and Tradeshow in Ottawa. Read the full report, as well as summaries of each of the six roundtables, at www.ppforum.ca/publications

The Public Policy Forum is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of government in Canada through enhanced dialogue among the public, private and voluntary sectors.

SOURCE: PUBLIC POLICY FORUM

Natasha Gauthier
Director of Communications, Public Policy Forum
[email protected] 
[phone] ext 220