News Releases
DATE: 2001 09 25
01 - 14
Nelson House (NCN) Cree Nation Signs Agreement in Principle with Manitoba Hydro
Equity position in proposed Wuskwatim and Notigi generating stations announced
Nelson House, MB – Premier Gary Doer congratulated the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) today on the signing of an Agreement in Principle with Manitoba Hydro to potentially develop new hydroelectric facilities. The Agreement in Principle allows the First Nation to obtain an equity position by investing in the proposed Wuskwatim and Notigi generating stations, which are located in the NCN Resource Management Area.
In addition to Premier Doer, other speakers at the signing included NCN Chief Jerry Primrose, Thompson MLA Steve Ashton, Rupertsland MLA Eric Robinson, Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro Greg Selinger, Hydro Chairman Vic Schroeder, and Hydro President and CEO Bob Brennan.
Premier Gary Doer said, "Today's historic signing is another indication of the new, innovative model of partnership that is being created between First Nation people and Manitoba Hydro. This agreement benefits all Manitobans, not only by providing the people of the north with more economic opportunities but also by providing clean, affordable, and renewable electrical energy for the entire province."
The Premier said the province is also committed to expanding profitable electricity exports which help keep Manitoba electricity rates the lowest in Canada, "and all Manitobans pay the same low rates no matter where they live," said Doer.
The signing of the Agreement in Principle is a major milestone following several years of discussions between NCN and Hydro about the projects, which included ways of designing the Wuskwatim station to reduce environmental impacts.
Premier Doer said the projects will undergo full public reviews before any final decisions are made to proceed with construction. An environmental team, jointly selected by NCN and Manitoba Hydro, is currently conducting studies that will be required for federal and provincial environmental assessments.
No decision has yet been made by Manitoba Hydro about which, if any, of the three sites (including the Gull Generating Station in the Split Lake Resource Area) would be selected for development. The Corporation expects to be able to announce a development plan as early as the spring of 2002.
Chief Jerry Primrose said the Nisichawayasihk members had voted strongly in favour of the Agreement. In May, 65 per cent of the members who voted at polls in Nelson House, South Indian Lake, Thompson, Winnipeg, and Brandon supported the Agreement in Principle. At Nelson House, the community closest to the project and where the reserve is located, approval for the AIP was 82.4 per cent.
Chief Primrose cited the environmental studies as an example of how NCN and Manitoba Hydro are cooperating. "As people with such a close relationship with the environment and resources of this area, we can work with Manitoba Hydro to plan and market these projects, added Primrose. "Together, we will make sure this is an environmentally sustainable project with long term benefits for everyone involved."
"This is a very positive step for the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Manitoba Hydro," said Greg Selinger, Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro. "Like the agreement that was signed with Tataskweyak Cree Nation last year, this agreement supports two new models for future relationships between Manitoba Hydro and First Nation peoples."
Today’s announcement is a historic milestone for Nisichawayasihk and Manitoba Hydro," said MLA Eric Robinson, Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs. "This agreement is a clear example of how Manitoba First Nations and Manitoba Hydro can work together to realize viable economic opportunities for both First Nation communities and the Province as a whole. I congratulate NCN and Manitoba Hydro for their work in forging a new relationship."
Bob Brennan, President and CEO of Manitoba Hydro, added, "This Agreement-in-Principle supports one of Manitoba Hydro’s key objectives – namely to be a leader in strengthening relationships with aboriginal peoples. Both Manitoba Hydro and NCN will mutually benefit from these arrangements."
