Published: July 7, 2025 |

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Stonlasec8 Indigenous Alliance Limited Partnership, an Indigenous-owned partnership representing 36 First Nations in B.C. has entered into an agreement to invest approximately $511 million (CAD$715 million) through a wholly-owned subsidiary to acquire a 12.5 percent interest in Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system. The transaction is expected to close at the end of the second quarter of 2025.

Stonlasec8 has also reached an agreement with Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation (CILGC), a subsidiary of Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV), on a $286 million (CDN$400 million) loan guarantee to support the transaction. On closing, this historic equity investment will be the first major investment to receive a loan guarantee under the Canadian Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, launched by the Government of Canada last Spring.

“Today is a significant milestone for the First Nations involved in Stonlasec8 and we are incredibly grateful to have the government of Canada’s strong support to bring this deal to fruition. Our Nations can expect to receive sustained economic benefits from an asset that has operated within our traditional territories for over 65 years,” said Chief David Jimmie, president and chair of Stonlasec8 and chief of Squiala First Nation.

“The agreement between Stonlasec8, Enbridge, and the government of Canada is truly groundbreaking. The loan guarantee supporting the equity purchase transaction will bring increased economic prosperity to our communities, including funding for critical investments in housing, infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation,” said Justin Napoleon, director of Stonlasec8 and former chief of Saulteau First Nation.

“Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system is a critical piece of energy infrastructure that has been providing people with the energy they need for more than 65 years. This transaction provides an opportunity to build on our relationships with Indigenous communities and advance reconciliation,” said Cynthia Hansen, Enbridge’s executive vice president and president of Gas Transmission and Midstream.

“I want to thank everyone who contributed to making this historic and highly complex transaction possible. Today’s announcement also underscores CDEV’s role as a catalyst for transformative initiatives that benefit all Canadians,” said Elizabeth Wademan, president and CEO of CDEV, the parent company of CILGC.

“We launched CILGC in record time with a commitment to operate at the speed of business. The CDEV team is proud of the leading role it played on this transaction, and for the partnership created through this deal,” added Wademan.

“This landmark agreement is a powerful example of how our new federal government is getting things done in Canada. I am proud to support Indigenous leadership and industry coming together to drive long-term economic prosperity and reconciliation for all Canadians,” said the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

Stonlasec8 Indigenous Alliance Limited Partnership is a newly formed, Indigenous-owned limited partnership that includes 36 British Columbia First Nations. The board of directors represent the regions impacted by the Westcoast Pipeline Assets and will steward the Nation’s investment in these assets to ensure long-term economic benefits and oversight.

Enbridge safely connects millions of people to the energy they rely on every day, fueling quality of life through our North American natural gas, oil and renewable power networks, and their growing European offshore wind portfolio. They’re investing in modern energy delivery infrastructure to sustain access to secure, affordable energy, and building on more than a century of operating conventional energy infrastructure and two decades of experience in renewable power to advance new technologies including hydrogen, renewable natural gas and carbon capture and storage.

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