NEWS RELEASE
MICHAEL MANTHA, MPP ALGOMA-MANITOULIN
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Mantha endorses coalition that presents self-determined economic opportunity for First Nations whose Traditional Territories are impacted by the project
(Northeastern, Ont.) - Northern Ontario MPP Michael Mantha, representing the riding of Algoma-Manitoulin, is adding his voice in endorsing the Transmission Infrastructure Partnership-9 (TIP-9) that is bidding to build the critical Wawa-to-Porcupine line.
Formed by Taykwa Tagamou, Michipicoten, Chapleau Cree and Missanabie Cree First Nations, the TIP-9 coalition represents several of the First Nations communities that will be affected by the 260-kilometre infrastructure project that will construct a 230-kilovolt transmission line between the Wawa Transformer Station and the Porcupine Transformer Station near Timmins.
In a letter last month to Minister of Energy Todd Smith, Mantha said this partnership would ensure First Nations are equal partners in building and maintaining infrastructure from the beginning of the project.
“This offers a unique advantage as all necessary agreements, permitting, assessments and consultations are being driven by First Nations, rather than a project proponent without direct links to these communities,” Mantha said. “The agreement as it is laid out offers an opportunity for the participating First Nations to become full owners of the finished transmission line, should they choose to pursue that course of action in the future.”
“Finally, your government, and particularly Premier Ford, have often touted that Ontario is ‘open for business.’ It is time to demonstrate exactly what that means by allowing more competition in the building of electric infrastructure.
Mantha’s riding covers multiple communities that will be impacted by the line.
“We warmly welcome the kind endorsement from MPP Mantha, reinforcing how TIP-9 is the right partner for this project,” said Bruce Archibald, Chief of Taykwa Tagamou Nation. “MPP Mantha knows what’s at stake for his constituents and having his support, along with that of other First Nations and industry partners shows the growing consensus of our proposal.”
The Wawa-to-Porcupine Line has been designated by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) as an important project in addressing the high growth of electricity demand in Northeastern Ontario. For the impacted First Nations, it presents an opportunity for the Ontario government to signal true respect for Inherent, Aboriginal, and Treaty Rights, as well as meaningful progress towards reconciliation.
TIP-9’s bid for the Wawa-to-Porcupine line includes a partnership with North American electricity superpower Ameren, which has an unbeatable track record of building projects on budget and ahead of time. This partnership creates an opportunity for Ontario to create more competition and break historic monopolies in the energy sector while creating much needed skilled and local jobs in Northern Ontario.
The First Nations also have a path to 100 per cent ownership after 20 years and are completely shielded against financial risks and dilution of ownership, a deal that has not been seen through any other corporation in the province at this large of a scale.
About Taykwa Tagamou Nation
Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN) is a Mushkegowuk Cree community whose Traditional Territory and Treaty Lands are in the southern portion of the James Bay watershed in northeastern Ontario, within the area of Treaty 9. TTN has practiced traditional land-use and sustainability within their Territory through hunting, fishing trapping, and gathering, and have traded with neighbouring Nations since time immemorial. TTN is a Nation of 700 members with 140 living in the community. TTN has a strong track record in the energy sector with successful co-ownership of transmission, hydroelectric, and solar companies outside of Cochrane, Ontario.
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