This project, which must be able to supply electricity to the city of New York, would see the construction of a line in Montérégie. If this is not on Anishnabeg territory, it is different for the power plants that could supply this line.
The Anishnabeg are therefore afraid that their traditional territory, which they call Nitakinan, will suffer the consequences of an increase in the power of hydroelectric installations that the Hertel-New York project could require.
They accuse the minister of having used his discretionary power
to introduce on the sly an amendment to the regulations
.
According to them, this modification exempts Quebec from consulting the Aboriginal peoples when it wishes to increase the flow of the turbines and increase the productivity of the equipment.
This gesture by Benoit Charrette constitutes a major breach of the constitutional rights of the First Nations, but it does not seem to worry the Minister unduly.
can we still read in the letter.
Request frivolous
On October 24, the communities asked to be heard by the Minister. The latter replied to them on November 15 indicating refuse to consider this request
and even judging her frivolous
.
According to the Minister, the Quebec section of the line is not located on Anishnabeg territory and therefore, their request is inadmissible
.
Contacted by Aboriginal Spaces, the department replied that it takes note of the letter received from the Anishnabeg Nation
and that the minister’s office will also contact them
.
As for Hydro-Québec, Francis Labbé, the spokesperson for the state-owned company, recalls that New York n’entraînera pas de modification à la production de nos centrales afin de répondre à ce besoin. Les paramètres existants demeureront inchangés.","text":"le projet d’exportation vers l’État de New York n’entraînera pas de modification à la production de nos centrales afin de répondre à ce besoin. Les paramètres existants demeureront inchangés."">the export project to New York State will not result in any modification to the production of our power stations in order to meet this need. Existing settings will remain unchanged.
Francis Labbé also adds that Hydro-Québec, which is following a social acceptability policy
must begin projects when they have been deemed acceptable from the point of view of Aboriginal people in particular.
The Anishnabeg also recall that the American authorities are concerned about Aboriginal realities and that Benoit Charrette’s gesture is therefore counterproductive since New York could withdraw from the project if the Aboriginals are not considered.
To quote the former Premier of Quebec, the late Jacques Parizeau, Benoit Charrette is allegedly self-bananizing
they finish.
Meeting all day, it was not possible to reach one of the leaders of the coalition.
