Ottawa, August 17, 2017 – The Honourable Sergio Marchi, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA), issued the following statement regarding the federal government’s funding announcement on Wataynikaneyap Power's project to connect Pikangikum First Nation to Ontario's power grid:
“CEA welcomes today’s announcement by the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) the Honourable Carolyn Bennett that the Government of Canada will invest up to $60 million to provide clean, safe and reliable electricity to Pikangikum First Nation. This investment represents a major step forward in making the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project a reality.
Like many Indigenous, northern and remote communities, Pikangikum First Nation relies on diesel for power. This is an environmental and an economic challenge as diesel generators in many of these communities are at full capacity, and the cost of electricity in some of these regions is approximately ten times higher than the Canadian average, limiting local economic opportunities and stifling growth.
CEA has been strongly advocating for addressing the energy needs of remote and Indigenous communities, many of which are found in our country's North. The quality of life for residents and the realization of major economic development projects both depend on improved energy infrastructure. We are therefore encouraged to see federal support for energy projects aimed at reducing reliance on diesel in these very regions. These communities deserve better options for power generation, and today’s funding announcement is a valuable step in the right direction. The electricity sector stands ready to work with Indigenous communities and all levels of government in order to reduce diesel reliance nationwide.”
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For more information on INAC funding announcement: www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca
For more information on Wataynikaneyap Power: www.wataypower.ca