The federal government is providing $6.6 million in funding for both Indigenous-led energy development and aviation training in Cold Lake. Of it, Ottawa is providing $6 million to the Etthen Energy Corporation, which is owned by Cold Lake First Nations, to expand the development of heavy oil resources on its territory. The expansion project is slated to include construction of well sites and facilities. The City of Cold Lake receives $600,000 of the announced funding for renovations to an aircraft hangar at its regional airport. Part of the work will establish new training space for an aircraft maintenance engineering program. Matt Jeneroux, Liberal Member of Parliament for Edmonton Southwest, said Wednesday at a media conference in Cold Lake that the Etthen project, for which the funding is repayable, is “significant” as it “represents the evolution of Indigenous participation in the energy sector.” “It means moving from supporting industry through service-based businesses to becoming a direct participant in resource development,” said Jeneroux, who was representing Prairies Economic Development Minister Eleanor Olszewski. “It is a powerful example of economic reconciliation and action by supporting Indigenous ownership and leadership in major economic projects.” Ottawa said the funding is expected to support 90 new jobs, train 30 people and support three small- and medium-sized businesses. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Dave Mitchell
