The Financial Post reports in its Tuesday, Oct. 3, edition that Enbridge executive Cynthia Hansen says there is a need to create a federal loan guarantee program for indigenous groups so they can build better partnerships with the private sector. The Post's Naimul Karim writes that Ms. Hansen says the absence of loan guarantees from the government prevents them from acquiring equity in projects that are often operated on their traditional lands. Ms. Hansen says: "It's not enough to consult with indigenous groups. Empowering indigenous nations as equity investors in projects with the private sector is material to the Canadian economy." About a year ago, Enbridge signed an agreement with 23 first nation and Metis communities to sell an 11.57-per-cent interest in seven pipelines located in the Athabasca region of Northern Alberta for $1.12-billion. Enbridge said the deal was the largest energy-related partnership with indigenous groups in North America. That deal was possible due to a $250-million equity loan backed by a guarantee from Alberta Indigenous Opportunities, which offers financing to indigenous communities seeking commercial partnerships and a mix of other financing supports.