Climate change plans strengthen First Nations hand

EDMONTON — Alberta’s new climate change policy strengthens the hand of First Nations as they argue for a greater role in planning energy development, says an aboriginal leader. “Anything that’s done to our land, our resources, meaningful consultation needs to happen before anything starts,’’ said Steve Courtoreille, Grand Chief of the Treaty 8 First Nations, whose land is where most oilsands development has occurred. The role of aboriginal people is a prominent feature of the panel report that formed the basis of the government’s new policy announced last Sunday.