Supporting Critical…

Supporting Critical Transmission Infrastructure in Northeastern Ontario (ERO Posting #: 019-9007):

I am writing on behalf of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA), to express our support toward the Ministry of Energy and Electrification declaring the Wawa to Porcupine line as a priority project and designating Hydro One Networks Inc. as the designated transmitter to undertake the development of the line. This important infrastructure will be owned in partnership with the Wabun Tribal Council, its members, and the Missanabie Cree First Nation. LiUNA applauds this collaboration and agrees that the Indigenous equity opportunity provided by Hydro One, and the value and expertise that will be unlocked through Indigenous partnership, is compelling.

United by collective bargaining agreements, LiUNA is a powerhouse of workers who are proud to build Ontario. Our members are a skilled and experienced union workforce, trained to work safely in the construction and energy industries.

Understanding the importance of providing long-term employment and good paying jobs to Ontarians, as well as recognizing LiUNA's role in building critical infrastructure that is paramount to meeting the province of Ontario's growing electricity needs, we are strongly supportive of the Ministry's decision to declare the Wawa to Porcupine line as a priority project under Hydro One.

LiUNA has been highly supportive of the government's recent decision to designate several transmission projects in southwestern Ontario as priority projects. Recognizing that Hydro One was the preferred transmitter when surveying the Timmins and Wawa Chapleau Area residents, we at LiUNA also recognize the benefit the prioritization of this project will have economically from a labour and job creation standpoint as well as the ability this increased capacity will have to support local industries in the North as the province undergoes a major energy transition.

We wanted to note that in late July the feedback LiUNA submitted to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) posting #: 019-9007 underscored our support for the expedited approval related to the environmental assessment (EA) of Wassigan Transmission Line Project. In a similar fashion, we believe that the EA process for the Wawa to Porcupine line should also be expedited. We, and others, have observed that the pace of industrial and residential electricity growth continues to outpace projections. It is imperative that the various planning, procurement, permitting and overarching decision-making structures be accelerated to keep pace with growing demand.

LiUNA is doing its part to adapt to an increasingly electrified and growth economy. We are collaborating with utilities and customers to make sure that the right skilled trades are available to build these projects. We also work closely with Indigenous rights-holders to support new models and approaches to reconciliation. By working together, we can collectively accomplish great things. Indigenous partners and labour not only need to be at the table. We can be leaders in building better.

Hydro One understands and embraces this approach. They are a leader in shaping meaningful involvement with Indigenous communities, with an innovative partnership model that can ensure the benefits to Hydro One transmission projects are shared equitably. We strongly believe the decision to move forward with Hydro One as the transmission provider while accelerating the Wawa to Porcupine line as a priority project is an action that will achieve sustainable economic development surrounding communities and stakeholders can benefit from as the government works toward electrification.

Thank you for your time and attention herein.