CAPP Reaffirms its Support of UNDRIP

April 24, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers has supported implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) for several years.

In 2016, CAPP released a public discussion paper (available here) endorsing UNDRIP as a framework for reconciliation in Canada and we remain committed to that endorsement.

The oil and natural gas industry has worked to build respectful and mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous partners and communities as outlined in our 2018 economic report, Toward a Shared Future. We believe it is essential to work toward this future with Indigenous Peoples across Canada, and view economic reconciliation as fundamental to broader reconciliation and strong communities.

The implementation of UNDRIP is also an important part of this future. We believe it can and must be done in a manner consistent with Canadian law and the constitution. Given the current and unprecedented health and economic crisis, CAPP has raised concerns with the federal government about the ability for full engagement and consultation at this time.

British Columbia is the first province to have implemented UNDRIP into legislation – an important step which the oil and natural gas industry is proud to have been part of, having served a constructive role in the important consultation process. We hope the federal process will be given such time and consideration and we look forward to continuing to work together.

– Tim McMillan, President and CEO, CAPP