By Craig Wallebeck
Jan 19, 2021 7:49 AM
Federated Cooperatives Limited has developed what FCL describes as a new, exclusive Western Nations gas bar brand. FCL says they created Western Nations in consultation with Indigenous leaders and communities across Western Canada. Co-op will supply and support independent gas bars in Indigenous communities and manage the Western Nations brand. Communities will maintain ownership of their locations and make their own decisions.
“Co-op values the relationships we have with our Indigenous communities and are looking to expand these partnerships through the new Indigenous gas bar program,” says Brian Humphreys, FCL’s Vice-President of Energy. “We know the energy sector is changing in Western Canada. With that, we see an opportunity to build a brand with Indigenous partners for the collective benefit of our people and communities.” said Humphreys. Co-op will supply and support independent gas bars in Indigenous communities across the West and manage the Western Nations brand. Communities will maintain ownership of their locations and make their own decisions. The Western Nations brand can be applied to existing locations or new construction.
Now, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and FCL are each providing $1.25 million to renew the five-year term to build on this success and further optimize soil remediation approaches. “The overall goal of this innovative research program is to improve how we clean up and manage these impacted sites in a safe and sustainable manner,” said Siciliano. “Over the next five years, we will further develop and validate our approach of using naturally occurring biological stimulants and nutrients to further increase hydrocarbon degradation, particularly at sites where traditional approaches have proven ineffective, and reduce hydrocarbons in soil to minimal levels.”