NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) President Todd Russell today issued the following statement in response to the Public Utilities Board (PUB) decision to not approve NL Hydro’s application for capital expenses to construct a new regional diesel generating station and interconnection in NunatuKavut in southern Labrador:
“The decision from the PUB is certainly a consequential and important one. The decision document outlines the PUB’s expectations that any future requests for approval from NL Hydro associated with this project ‘will be supported with confirmation that Hydro has satisfactorily discharged its duty to consult [NCC].’ We are pleased that the PUB recognizes NL Hydro’s responsibilities stemming from Canada’s Constitution and as set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The PUB decision also asks that NL Hydro take immediate steps to ensure the early development of renewables in the region and that it address all reasonable alternatives, including the potential interconnection with the Labrador Interconnected system.
The items raised by the PUB address many of the concerns that we had with this project early on and continue to discuss with NL Hydro. NCC looks forward to working collaboratively with NL Hydro on future steps associated with this project in our territory, including the development of a project-specific agreement that will protect our lands and waters, and ensure energy security for our people and communities. We also want to make sure that a safe power supply can be provided to the communities of Charlottetown and Pinsent’s Arm, which have been without reliable power for over five years.
NCC is committed to continuing to build a meaningful and lasting partnership with NL Hydro on this project and any future projects related to developments on the Churchill River. A relationship rooted in mutual respect, recognition of rights, and shared benefit.”
About: The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) is a governing organization that represents the rights and interests of Inuit who come from south and central Labrador. NCC is committed to advancing section 35 rights, and the interests and priorities of NunatuKavut Inuit. Rooted in the rich traditions and culture of NunatuKavut Inuit, NCC works diligently towards self-government and self-determination, while fostering community growth and sustainability.
The Churchill River, formerly Eskimo River, and what many of our people still refer to as the Grand River, is of utmost importance to NunatuKavut Inuit. Our people have a very long, irrefutable, and continuing connection to these waters and surrounding lands.
NCC has made many significant steps in achieving recognition with the Courts and various commissions, federal and provincial governments, and the United Nations. NCC has also signed two previous relationship agreements with NL Hydro.
To learn more about NCC and NunatuKavut Inuit, please visit our website at www.nunatukavut.ca and we invite you to check out our “Our Story” page which helps tell our story. Please also join in the conversation at facebook.com/nunatukavut, X/Twitter @nunatukavut, and Instagram @nunatukavutinuit.
Media Contact:
Kelly Broomfield
Chief Communications Officer
T. 709-280-5965
E. communications@nunatukavut.ca