Native groups want a piece of energy pie

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

hydro quebec dam

Hydro Quebec to increase hydropower capacity to more than 37,000 MW in 2021

MONTREAL - Hydro Quebec plans to add an incremental 245 MW of hydro-electric generation capacity in 2021 to its expansive portfolio in the north of the province, bringing the total capacity to 37,012 MW, an official said Friday

Quebec`s highest peak demand of 39,240 MW occurred on January 22, 2014.

A little over 75% of Quebec`s population heat their homes with electricity, Sutherland said.

The province-owned company produced 205.1 TWh of power in 2017 and its net exports were 34.4 TWh that year.

Sutherland said Hydro Quebec`s reservoirs are currently at "unprecedented levels" and the company could export more of its electricity to New…

READ MORE
bill quinlan

Groups clash over NH hydropower project

READ MORE

wind turbines pincher creek

Alberta is a powerhouse for both green energy and fossil fuels

READ MORE

The Transient Test Reactor

Perry presses ahead on advanced nuclear reactors

READ MORE

siemens gamesa

Siemens Energy to unlock a new era of offshore green hydrogen production

READ MORE