Government supports equity purchase of Hydro One line to advance Indigenous economic participation
Press Release
From: Department of Finance Canada
March 10, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada
Advancing economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is a core priority of the Government of Canada. By expanding economic opportunities for Indigenous groups across the country, the government is helping secure a fairer and more prosperous future for Indigenous Peoples, and a fairer Canada.
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, welcomed the second loan guarantee transaction under the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program (ILGP).
Through a federal loan guarantee via the ILGP, Aamjiwnaang First Nation and the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation (together, the “Nations”) will acquire a nearly 20 per cent equity interest in the Chatham-to-Lakeshore electricity transmission project. This move marks a significant step in advancing Indigenous economic participation in major projects across Canada.
The ILGP is a key economic reconciliation initiative that supports Indigenous groups in obtaining more favourable borrowing rates, making it more affordable for most Indigenous communities to have a greater share in the economic benefits of major projects.
This program directly responds to calls from Indigenous groups to address historical barriers to economic participation and opportunities. It is also aligned with the Government of Canada’s broader objectives of economic reconciliation, fostering Indigenous economic development, and supporting self-determination.
The Chatham-to-Lakeshore line is a fully operational, cost-of-service regulated transmission line in Southwestern Ontario. Built by Hydro One, the project came into service in December 2024. The 49-kilometre, 230-kilovolt line increases the reliability and resiliency of the grid and brings 400 megawatts of clean and affordable electricity to the Windsor-Essex Region. The infrastructure improves grid reliability and enables industrial growth while helping meet rapidly rising electricity demand. By purchasing a combined nearly 20 per cent equity share in this energy asset, the Nations are expected to generate long-term, stable cashflows that they will be able to invest in their community priorities.
Quotes
“Indigenous economic participation in the major projects that build and power our country—like the Chatham-to-Lakeshore transmission line—is an essential step in building Indigenous economic prosperity and reconciliation. Canada only succeeds when every community has the opportunity to lead, reach their full potential, and share in the benefits of a strong economy.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue
“Ensuring that Indigenous Peoples share in the benefits of infrastructure and energy projects is key to building a stronger economy and advancing reconciliation. Through the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, First Nations are gaining access to the resources they need to buy into projects and generate long-term economic benefits for their nations. I congratulate Aamjiwnaang First Nation and the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation on this important milestone and the lasting opportunities it will bring for their people.”
– The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Quick facts
- The Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation (CILGC) is a subsidiary of the Canada Development Investment Corporation, a federal Crown corporation that manages critical financial transactions for the Government of Canada. CILGC is responsible for managing the ILGP, which provides loan guarantees to help Indigenous groups participate in Canada’s growing economy.
- Loan guarantees are available to support Indigenous equity participation in projects of various sizes reflecting the diversity of opportunities and economic development priorities in Indigenous communities across Canada.
- On March 21, 2025, the Government of Canada announced that it was doubling the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program from $5 billion to $10 billion and opening it to sectors outside of energy and natural resources to support more Indigenous-led infrastructure, transportation, and trade projects across the country.
- In May 2025, the first project under the ILGP was announced when Stonlasec8 Indigenous Alliance Limited Partnership reached an agreement with CILGC to secure a $400 million loan guarantee to enable the investment of approximately $715 million in Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system.
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Contacts
Media may contact:
John Fragos
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance and National Revenue
John.Fragos@fin.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of Finance Canada
mediare@fin.gc.ca
613-369-4000
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