The MPP for Kiiwetinoong is asking the provincial government to throw its full support behind a proposed energy transmission line for northwestern Ontario.
The Wataynikaneyap transmission line would connect 17 remote First Nations that still rely on diesel fuel for power.
Sol Mamakwa says the current utility system leaves numerous Indigenous communities without running water or power.
At Queen’s Park, Mamakwa stressed clearly something is not working, adding “better lives and more opportunity for youth in the far north is something I believe all members in this house can support”.
Back in March, both levels of senior government announced a funding framework to begin preliminary work, however no further commitments have been made.
At the Legislature, Energy Minister and Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford would only say that the government is working on a comprehensive energy plan to connect all communities in the north.
Meantime, work continues behind the scenes to move the project forward.
Wataynikaneyap Power has issued a request for proposals for the engineering, procurement and construction of the 1,800 kilometre transmission line.
Once a decision on a successful bidder is made early next year, the Environmental Assessment will need to approved and the Ontario Energy Board will have to give the green light for construction.
Wataynikaneyap means ‘line that brings light’ and is a project of 22 First Nations.
