The Indigenous Resource Network (IRN) is demanding the Canadian government change its emissions cap policy for the oil and gas industry and consider the impacts it could have on indigenous people. .“Indigenous people were not properly consulted on this policy, and we feel we have been left behind,” said IRN executive director Robert Merasty in a Monday press release. .“This emissions cap would be very harmful to indigenous communities that have successfully pursued ownership in oil and gas projects, and to the thousands of workers and businesses engaged in the sector.” .The Canadian government proposed enacting a modified carbon pricing system or an industry-based cap-and-trade system to set a ceiling for oil and gas emissions in July. .READ MORE: Feds propose cap on oil and gas emissions using industry-specific carbon pricing system.The Canadian government explored the two options for driving oil and gas emissions down 40% by 2030 in a discussion paper..Canada's oil and gas industry accounts for more than one-quarter of the country's total emissions. Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault said in Parliament the sector's portion of emissions was a matter "we simply cannot ignore.".The release said an emissions cap would stifle opportunities for indigenous people. It said the policy is unacceptable because it will have a detrimental economic impact to indigenous communities, businesses, and workers engaged in the oil and gas sector. .The release went on to say an emissions cap was proposed without consulting or consent from indigenous people. It added the policy will increase global emissions by restricting liquid natural gas development and compromising energy security and affordability around the world. .IRN said Canada’s proposed emissions cap contradicts the Canadian government’s promises on reconciliation and indigenous self-determination, including respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It said the government should not be allowed to restrict what sectors indigenous communities can and cannot benefit from. .The release said many indigenous communities are developing energy projects they plan to generate benefits and revenues from. It argued real self-determination comes from those projects. .“We are finally becoming owners of projects in our own territories, yet this policy seeks to restrict that” said Merasty. .“This is taking us a step backwards in reconciliation.”.IRN unveiled a campaign August 9 to advocate for indigenous ownership in natural resources projects. .READ MORE: Canadian indigenous organization launches resource development awareness campaign.“The problems our communities are facing is there are few mechanisms to access the necessary capital for investing in projects and having equity” said Merasty. .“Having a National Indigenous Guaranteed Loan Program is a step the federal government can take that will help First Nations get the capital needed to become partners and owners of the projects on our own lands.”
