VANCOUVER — The Government of Canada is investing more than $4.5 million through the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program to support Indigenous-led renewable energy projects across British Columbia aimed at improving energy security, affordability and economic resilience in rural and remote communities.
Announced by the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the funding will support projects that generate clean electricity, heat and fuel from renewable sources, including hydropower, biomass and solar energy. The investment is expected to help reduce diesel dependence, strengthen local energy reliability and create long-term economic opportunities in Indigenous and remote communities.
The funding will also support training and workforce development initiatives that enable communities to plan, build, operate and maintain their own clean energy systems while lowering project risk and helping accelerate private-sector investment.
“First Nation, Inuit and Métis leadership is at the forefront of building a cleaner, more resilient future,” said Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. “By investing in Indigenous-led clean energy projects, we are not only reducing reliance on diesel but also creating opportunities for economic growth and self-determination. Together, we are advancing reconciliation and ensuring that future generations inherit a sustainable and prosperous land.”
The federal government said the investment reflects its broader commitment to economic reconciliation and community-driven infrastructure development through clean, locally available energy resources.
“Indigenous communities are leaders in the transition to clean energy,” said Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services. “Investments like these improve energy reliability, create good local jobs, and advance community priorities. Together, we are building a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
The announcement also builds on previous federal support for the Dzawada’enuxw First Nation’s Padakus Hydropower Project. Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada previously committed $4,459,789 toward Phase 2 of the project through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, while Indigenous Services Canada invested an additional $10.5 million to support the facility’s design and construction.
“After supporting the previous phase of this project, we are excited to see it continue into the next phase, advancing clean energy solutions for a more sustainable and resilient future and creating lasting benefits for communities,” said Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.
Launched in 2018 and recapitalized in 2021, the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program has invested approximately $453 million to reduce reliance on diesel and other fossil fuels for heat and power generation in Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada. To date, the program has supported more than 230 projects nationwide, including capital infrastructure developments, innovation projects, bioheat systems and community capacity-building initiatives.
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