Madam Speaker, in Lakeland, Frog Lake Energy Resources Corp. is first nations owned and operated. It has built homes and community centres and has increased education programs through responsible oil production.
This week, Mikisew Cree First Nation and Fort McKay First Nation reached a historic deal with Suncor that will provide revenues for each community for 25 years. However, the Liberals' anti-energy agenda is limiting prosperity for first nations. Now the first nations-led, $16-billion Eagle Spirit pipeline is at risk. Thirty first nations across B.C. and Alberta support it, but the Liberals' tanker ban threatens it.
The Liberals killed northern gateway, which most first nations supported. First nations in the area actually oppose the tanker ban, but the Liberals never asked them. A former chief from B.C. says that the myth that more first nations oppose energy than actually do limits opportunities for communities and keeps people in poverty. A northern premier says that the Liberals' drilling ban took away hope for long-term healthy living.
The Liberals should support Métis and first nations that have developed resources responsibly for thousands of years.