Native groups want a piece of energy pie

subscribe

As Ontario seeks new sources of electricity, Premier Dalton McGuinty is looking favourably on a push from the Assembly of First Nations for the province to assist native businesses hoping to get a piece of the action.

"We're looking for new opportunities to strengthen our First Nations so they can enjoy greater economic prospects, so I like the sound of that," McGuinty said after AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine met energy industry executives.

With many of the potential hydroelectric and wind-power projects possibly slated for native land throughout Ontario, Fontaine made the case to the Ontario Energy Association for greater aboriginal participation.

"New ways of thinking are what we need, especially when it comes to new ways of doing business and new partnerships between local First Nations communities and the energy sector," he said.

In Saskatchewan, for example, 10 First Nations have built and operate wind power farms, while Hydro-Québec has promised to boost access to contracts for James Bay Cree enterprises looking to help operate, maintain and repair a massive hydroelectric project.

"For far too long many First Nation communities have not had access to jobs because they were too far away from urban centres. But with... the energy sector, many of the communities are right there."

Related News

site c

B.C. Hydro doing good job managing billions in capital assets, says auditor

VICTORIA - A report by B.C.’s auditor-general says B.C. Hydro is doing a good job managing the province’s dams, generating stations and power lines.

Carol Bellringer says in the audit that B.C. Hydro’s assets are valued at more than $25 billion and even though some generating facilities are more than 85 years old they continue to operate near full-capacity.

The report says about 80 per cent of Hydro’s assets are dams, generators, power lines, poles, substations and transformers that are used to provide electrical service to B.C.

The audit says Hydro invested almost $2.5 billion to renew, repair or replace the assets it…

READ MORE

N.B. Power hits pause on large new electricity customers during crypto review

READ MORE

Britain's energy security bill set to become law

READ MORE

texas utility worker

Texas utility companies waiving fees; city has yet to act

READ MORE

Sustainable Marine now delivering electricity to Nova Scotia grid from tidal energy

READ MORE