When speaking at the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, announced investments totalling over $7 million for four projects. The funding is provided through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways (SREPs) program and will enhance the understanding of energy use, support renewable energy development and deployment in partnership with Indigenous communities and work toward economic reconciliation through job creation.

“Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, but it is also an immense economic opportunity. Building out a clean electricity grid by developing, deploying and operating renewable energy sources means good jobs, lower emissions and economic growth for communities in every region of Canada. Through these investments, the federal government is working with leading Indigenous communities to unlock Saskatchewan’s immense potential to thrive in a low-carbon future.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson

Minister of Natural Resources Canada

“Pisim Energy Limited Partnership is working to build capacity within Ochapowace Nation as well as providing a long-term revenue stream to support wealth creation through these two solar projects. This is the first step in a longer-term partnership to develop larger solar projects in Saskatchewan.”

Jonathan Cheszes
Lead Consultant on behalf of Pisim Energy Limited Partnership

“The SREP Capacity-Building Funding is creating an opportunity for Star Blanket Cree Nation to continue to lead the way in renewable energy projects in Saskatchewan by building capacity in our community members, staff and leadership to lead meaningful projects that lead to long-term benefits for our community. As a Nation that already has a number of utility-scale projects underway, the SREP Capacity-Building Project is creating an opportunity to bring this work home to our people through the development of a Community Energy Plan and the training of a local Energy Project Coordinator in our community. We are honoured to be among the projects selected in Saskatchewan and are working with our trusted partners and consultants to deliver a project that creates long-term opportunities in our community while moving Saskatchewan and Canada forward in low-carbon electricity.”

Lynda Bigknife

CEO, Star Blanket Cree Nation/Red Dog Holdings Ltd.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Canada for its significant contribution to our Indigenous communities through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways program. This funding enables us to advance sustainable energy solutions, stimulate job creation, facilitate pivotal training and enhance community involvement. By equipping our community members with knowledge about energy efficiency and renewable energy, we not only empower them but also help in creating a future that aligns with our collective ambition of reducing GHG emissions and fighting climate change. This financial backing goes beyond just funding — it's a pledge to our future, our growth and our dedication to safeguarding the land that nourishes us and on which our survival depends.”

Tammy Cook-Searson

Chief, Lac La Ronge Indian Band

• Federal funding for these projects is provided by Natural Resources Canada’s SREPs program, a $1.56-billion program that provides support for smart renewable energy and electrical grid modernization projects, including projects that support capacity building.

• Budget 2023 includes $40 billion of historic investments in the grid. This vital investment will be delivered:

  o   A 15 percent refundable tax credit for non-emitting electricity generation, electricity generation from abated natural gas, stationary electricity storage systems including batteries, and equipment for the transmission of electricity between provinces and territories;

  o   $20 billion in low-cost financing from the Canada Infrastructure Bank; and

  Targeted electricity programs, where needed, to ensure critical projects get built.
  

• Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy ensures Canada will remain a world leader in clean power. Budget 2023 includes $3 billion over 13 years for Natural Resources Canada for the recapitalization of the SREPs program, to renew the Smart Grid program, and to support Canadian offshore wind power.

  ○   The recapitalization of SREPs, which would be in addition to the $1.56-billion current budget, will be used to continue to support clean energy projects and support critical regional priorities, as well as expanding program eligibility to include transmission projects. 

Associated links

• Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways
• 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy
• Budget 2023
• Smart Grid program

Natural Resources Canada
Media Relations
343-292-6100
NRCan.media.RNCan@canada.ca

Keean Nembhard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
613-323-7892
keean.nembhard@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca