AIOC to Facilitate Landmark Indigenous Investment in Canada-Alberta Pipeline
AIOC to Facilitate Landmark Indigenous Pipeline Investment
The Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC) has been named a key partner in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the proposed Canada-Alberta Pipeline, announced November 28, 2025. This reflects a commitment by both federal and Alberta governments to support a new bitumen pipeline, with AIOC facilitating loan guarantees to enable significant Indigenous investment. This initiative marks a pivotal shift, advancing Indigenous equity ownership as a new standard in resource development, a cornerstone of Alberta's approach to economic reconciliation.
Empowering Indigenous Economic Participation
As a cornerstone of provincial policy, AIOC, led by CEO Chana Martineau, has a proven track record. To date, it has directly supported 43 Indigenous Nations and groups across nine deals, representing over $745 million in loan guarantees. This made-in-Alberta program, which doubled its loan guarantee capacity to $2 billion in October 2023, empowers communities to pursue ownership on their own terms, fostering long-term funding for reinvestment in infrastructure and local businesses. "AIOC remains committed to supporting Indigenous Nations and groups as they pursue ownership on their own terms and shape a future built on collaboration and shared prosperity," Martineau stated.
Economic Boost for Alberta
For Calgary, the hub of Canada’s energy sector, this pipeline signals continued economic activity and investment in professional services and engineering. Beyond traditional benefits, Indigenous equity ownership reshapes wealth distribution, creating jobs and fostering self-determination. A report by ATB Financial and MNP noted a 42% surge in Indigenous economic activity in Alberta between 2019 and 2023, generating $5.25 billion last year, with AIOC as a key driver. This project further solidifies a new era of genuine partnership, addressing historical inequities and building on earlier successes in Indigenous-industry collaboration.
