The Canadian government has announced it will offer Indigenous groups a collective 15 per cent ownership stake in the Trans Mountain pipeline. The offer comes through a low-cost loan program, allowing communities along the pipeline’s route to invest in the project. The initiative was outlined in a letter from a federal Department of Finance official to a First Nation, as reported by The Canadian Press.

The move aims to provide economic opportunities to Indigenous communities affected by the pipeline. The government is seeking to involve local groups in the project’s development, offering them a stake in the company that operates the pipeline. This is part of broader efforts to address historical inequalities and promote reconciliation.

The proposal has been shared with First Nations along the pipeline’s path, with the goal of facilitating discussions on the equity stake. While details remain under review, the initiative reflects a shift toward greater Indigenous participation in major infrastructure projects. The government hopes this will foster long-term economic benefits for the communities involved.