Ontario First Nations must be consulted before nuclear project is fast-tracked: Anishinaabeg chiefs

An association of Anishinaabeg chiefs caution the federal government that they must be “fully engaged” as partners before ‘nation-building’ projects, such as the small modular rector new nuclear project in Darlington, are fast-tracked by Ottawa.

The Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg Chiefs, representing the Mississaugas of Scugog Island, as well Alderville, Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations, said the federal government’s decision to advance the New Nuclear Project at Darlington nuclear plant in Clarington for review by the newly created Major Projects Office must begin with “meaningful, early, and ongoing engagement” with First Nations, “affirming our status as rights-holders and stewards of our traditional territories.”

The Michi Saagiig Nation is currently in “good-faith discussions” with Ontario Power Generation about economic opportunities and regulatory considerations related to the project.

“It is crucial that the Major Projects Office and the federal government refrain from accelerating processes … without comprehensive consultation,” the chiefs said in a  statement. “Our nations are committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions, but only in ways that honour our rights, respect our lands, and recognize our role as partners.”

The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation have been active partners with OPG  at the Darlington and  Pickering nuclear sites through their Voyageur Services economic arm, which was founded just four years ago and has already earned several major contracts including site preparation work at Darlington for the small modular reactor project, a water treatment project – also at Darlington – and dredging work at the Pickering nuclear plant.

As well, the Region of Durham and the Scugog Island First Nation have signed a new bilateral agreement to cooperate on issues such as economic development, ecological protection and consultation work.

Prime Minister Mark Carney launched the new Major Projects Office last month, which will work to expedite mega projects by streamlining regulatory assessment and approvals and helping to structure financing, “in close partnership with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, and private investors.”

The MPO will help to identify projects that are in Canada’s national interest and accelerate their development, including by creating a single set of conditions – reducing the approval timeline for projects of national interest to a maximum of two years and working with provinces and territories to achieve a ‘one project, one review’ approach.

The Darlington New Nuclear Project was one of five major projects given the designation this week by Carney. The project will make Canada the first G7 country to have an operational small modular reactor that could support Canadian and global clean energy needs while driving $500 million annually into Ontario’s nuclear supply chain.

Darlington New Nuclear project

Once complete, Darlington’s first of four planned SMR units will provide reliable and clean power to 300,000 homes, while sustaining 3,700 jobs annually, including 18,000 during construction, over the next 65 years.

Other project cited for fast-tracking include LNG Canada Phase 2 (Kitimat, B.C.), Contrecoeur Terminal Container project (Contrecoeur, QC), McIlvenna Bay Foran Copper Mine project (east-central SK) and the Red Chris Mine expansion (northwest B.C.).

Ottawa also identified several other projects that could be fast-tracked in the coming years, including the Port of Churchill and the long-awaited Alto High-Speed Rail line linking Toronto to Quebec City, with trains reaching speeds of up to 300 km/hour to cut travel times in half and connect close to half of Canada’s population.

The Hon. Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty promised to begin “critical discussions” with Indigenous people on how the projects can be built “in partnership” with First Nations.

“Major projects must and will deliver lasting benefits for Indigenous peoples – not just in words, but in jobs, ownership, and opportunities.”

Mandy Gull-Masty, the Minister of Indigenous Services, also vowed to consult with First Nations. “Indigenous communities are not just stakeholders; they are full partners in Canada’s economy – shaping major projects and driving the path toward shared prosperity.”

The Major Projects Office is also providing $40 million over two years to increase the capacity of Indigenous peoples to engage on major projects.

Site prep work at Darlington Nuclear by MSIFN division Voyageur Services