It is being hailed as a significant step towards reconciliation for Hydro One.
All new transmission lines in Ontario exceeding $100 million will now be built on a 50-50 partnership with First Nations.
Chief Human Resources Officer Megan Telford says they have a deep and essential responsibility to reflect on their past and take meaningful action.
Telford stresses for too long, First Nations have borne the impacts of infrastructure development in their traditional territories without seeing the benefits.
She admits they haven’t always got it right, but this equity model signals a significant shift in how they will work with Indigenous communities.
Telford says the partnership came out of the north with leadership from northern Chiefs and communities.
First Nations leaders from across the northwest are applauding the announcement.
Clayton Wetelainen is the Chief of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and says the new model is long overdue.
“A lot of our First Nations in the north need energy and are only on a single phase. With this partnership, it will bring us to the table to hear our concerns,” says Wetelainen.
Wetelainen says he hopes other industries follow suit and implement similar partnerships.
He notes former and current Chiefs from across the Northwest worked hard to reach this milestone.
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