'We're going to agree to disagree on certain things': Danielle Smith on B.C.'s David Eby

Key Concepts

• Indigenous Co-ownership
• Loan Guarantees
• Pipeline Projects
• LNG Development
• Ammonia
• Interties
• Nuclear Investment
• Port of Prince Rupert

Indigenous Co-ownership and Engagement

The discussion addresses concerns from indigenous groups regarding co-ownership in proposed projects, specifically mentioning David Eie's reservations. The speaker highlights past successes in achieving indigenous co-ownership, citing $750 million worth of projects, including pipeline initiatives, where indigenous groups have participated through loan guarantees. The capacity for such loan guarantees extends up to $3 billion. Similar programs are noted to exist at the federal government and British Columbia levels. The strategy moving forward is to pursue "substantial indigenous ownership" along the proposed route.

Collaboration and Common Interests

A conversation with David Eie is mentioned, acknowledging areas of disagreement but emphasizing a commitment to collaborate on shared interests. These common interests include:

• Expanding the Trans Mountain pipeline (TMX), which Eie supports.
• Additional LNG development, also supported by Eie.
• Ammonia projects.
• Interties (likely referring to energy transmission infrastructure).
• Investment in nuclear energy.
• Potentially transporting ammonia to the port of Prince Rupert or other ports.

The speaker intends to continue engaging with indigenous groups along the proposed future route to secure their ownership stake in these ventures, with efforts focused on this over the coming months.

Conclusion

The primary takeaway is the commitment to securing substantial indigenous ownership in future projects, leveraging existing successful models of co-ownership facilitated by loan guarantees. Despite potential disagreements, the approach emphasizes collaboration on areas of mutual interest, such as energy infrastructure expansion and development, with ongoing engagement with indigenous communities being a core strategy.