There is something extraordinary happening in Northern British Columbia right now. The North Coast Transmission Line is no longer simply a vision for the future. Construction is underway on infrastructure that will strengthen the backbone of our electrical system and help unlock a new generation of mining, energy, industrial and community development across the North. At the same time, the Enbridge Sunrise Expansion is under construction, Coastal GasLink Phase 2 is advancing toward a potential final investment decision, and significant new mining and industrial projects are positioning themselves around access to reliable energy. The scale of what is taking shape should have all of us paying attention.

What makes this moment even more important is how these projects are being built and who has the opportunity to participate in them. First Nations are increasingly moving beyond consultation and contracting toward meaningful equity ownership, partnership, employment, capacity building, and long-term participation in major energy infrastructure. BC Hydro and the Province are working with First Nations toward co ownership of the NCTL transmission infrastructure, while recent Calls for Power have brought significant Indigenous ownership into new renewable generation, including major wind projects. This represents an opportunity to build not only infrastructure, but lasting economic participation and relationships that can endure for generations.

The opportunity extends far beyond Northern British Columbia. New transmission enables new mines and critical mineral production, renewable generation, electrification and industry. Expanded energy infrastructure supports communities, businesses and Canada’s ability to responsibly develop and move the energy and resources the world continues to need. The North can play an increasingly important role in British Columbia’s economy, Canada’s prosperity and our contribution to a changing global energy landscape. Energy is the foundational backbone that makes so much of this possible.

For those of us involved with BCSEA, this is exactly why engagement matters. If you are watching what is happening and thinking that you, your organization, or your community want to be part of what comes next, I encourage you to join us. Bring your experience, your ideas, and your perspective to the conversation. Be part of not only WHAT we build next, but HOW we build it: sustainably, collaboratively, responsibly and with meaningful participation from the communities and Indigenous Nations whose territories and futures are connected to these projects. The future of the North is bright. The opportunity for British Columbia is enormous.

Be part of what’s next and how it is done. It matters.