Native groups want a piece of energy pie
"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."
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Hydro One delivery rates go up
THUNDER BAY - Hydro One seasonal customers will face bigger increases in their bills than the utility's residential customers as a result of an Ontario Energy Board approval of a rate hike.
Hydro One received permission to increase its delivery charge, retroactive to last year.
It says it needs the money to maintain and upgrade its infrastructure, much of which was installed in the 1950s.
The utility is notifying customers that new statements reflect higher delivery rates which were not charged in 2018 and the first half of this year, due to delay in receiving the OEB's permission.
The amount that customers' bills will increase by depends…
