Missanabie Cree First Nation…

Missanabie Cree First Nation in collaboration with the Chiefs of the Wabun Tribal Council, representing Mattagami First Nation, Flying Post First Nation, Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation, Brunswick House First Nation, and Matachewan First Nation, commend Ontario for this pivotal decision to designate the Wawa to Porcupine Transmission Line to Hydro One Networks.

Missanabie Cree First Nation and the five Wabun Nations have partnered with Hydro One to ensure that this proposed 230-kilovolt transmission line is developed, built, and maintained with the economic, infrastructure, community, and environmental goals of the northeast region at the forefront. We believe our proposal is the only way forward is to ensure Ontario can efficiently move electricity where it needs to be and in a way that respects the people, communities, homelands, and ways of life in the North.

Ontario’s decision to support our made-in-Ontario, 50-50 partnership proposal with Hydro One marks an important step toward reconciliation while advancing Ontario’s green energy transition. This is an innovative, equitable and industry-leading path forward for northeastern Ontario that will produce environmental, social and economic benefits for generations to come. The priorities of our collective First Nations include:

• Net-zero greenfield infrastructure development
• Minimizing potential impacts to the natural environment and Indigenous cultural heritage
• Growing economic opportunities through training, employment, and procurement
• Building socio-economic capacity in Indigenous communities
• Generating new, own-source revenues for First Nations through the Hydro One 50% First Nation Equity Partnership Model.

We are ready to advance the development of this project with a proven Ontario-based transmission partner, and an experienced team of industry and First Nation leaders to bring the most safe, reliable, and cost-efficient project to the Ontario government for approval. We also look forward to pursuing new collaborations with other First Nations, industries, and municipalities in the project area.

In closing, we respectfully urge Ontario to proceed with the formal designation of the Wawa to Porcupine Transmission Line to Hydro One following the public comment period. Our Nations are eager to advance the development activities for this new project.

Sincerely,

Chief Jason Gauthier