Québec Premier François Legault; Gespe'gewa'gi Mi'gmaq Nation Chiefs Céline Cassivi, Scott Martin and Roderick Larocque; Mi'gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC) General Manager Fred Vicaire; Alliance de l'énergie de l'Est (Eastern Energy Alliance) President Michel Lagacé and Hydro-Québec President and CEO Claudine Bouchard announce the signing of a partnership agreement between the Mi'gmaq of Gespe'gewa'gi, MMBC shareholders, the Alliance de l'énergie de l'Est and Hydro-Québec for the development of wind power on the territory of the Mi'gmaq of Gespe'gewa'gi, which corresponds to the Gaspésie and eastern Bas-Saint-Laurent. This area could supply up to 6,000 MW of wind power over the next few years.
This agreement marks a new era for energy development in eastern Québec, the strategic hub for wind power in the province. In addition to the local communities on Gespe'gewa'gi territory, which will benefit from wind power development, Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation will also benefit from the partnership, as a member of the Alliance de l'énergie de l'Est.
The proposed projects could represent investments of up to $18 billion. This doesn't include investments to extend the transmission system in the Gaspésie region, which could run to several billions more. These investments will generate major economic and social benefits for the region, particularly in terms of job creation, workforce training and diversification of community and municipal revenues.
MMBC, l'Alliance de l'énergie de l'Est and Hydro-Québec, in collaboration with the communities of Gespeg, Gesgapegiag and Listuguj, are launching a structured, joint process to assess social and environmental acceptability and to integrate First Nations knowledge and priorities into wind power development in the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie regions. The partners are aware of the cumulative effects this process could have and they will conduct consultations with First Nations and stakeholders to ensure harmonious and responsible project integration.
This partnership is part of the strategy, set out by the government and Hydro-Québec, to develop over 10,000 MW of new wind power capacity by 2035, in collaboration with First Nations and municipalities.
Hydro-Québec has also announced wind power development partnerships for a total of up to 5,000 MW in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Bas-Saint-Laurent regions. These agreements represent total investments of some $15 billion.
The Québec government and Hydro-Québec want to double the generation of renewable electricity in Québec by 2050 to meet additional needs and the demand from businesses looking to decarbonize. In the context of the energy transition, Québec has a golden opportunity to develop its economy and position itself as a North American powerhouse in renewable energy.
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"Eastern Québec will play a leading role in Québec's energy development. Together with Hydro-Québec, First Nations and municipalities, we will create thousands of jobs and generate significant economic benefits for our regions. It's all part of an ambitious plan to double electricity production in Québec by 2050. That's how we're going to build a more prosperous Québec."
François Legault, Premier of Québec"Our government is making sure to turn the challenges of the energy transition into economic development opportunities for our regions. What we're announcing today will result in the creation of high-paying jobs in Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Bas-Saint-Laurent, as well as generating energy for businesses in the region."
Christine Fréchette, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy"Projects like the one announced today are the embodiment of a relationship based on respect and collaboration, which we can all be proud of. First Nations and Inuit, who are on the front lines of climate change, are essential partners in the energy transition. They want to be part of the solution. Working together on this project will generate significant economic benefits for our regions and Indigenous communities, while helping to build a greener Québec for all Quebecers."
Ian Lafrenière, Minister Responsible for Relations with the First Nations and the Inuit"This agreement reflects our shared vision of a sustainable energy future for Gespe'gewa'gi. The Mi'gmaq communities of Gesgapegiag, Gespeg and Listuguj, united under the Mi'gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation, are proud to partner with the Alliance de l'énergie de l'Est and Hydro-Québec to advance the development of wind power on our territory. This partnership guarantees that these projects will not only contribute to the energy transition, but they will also generate concrete and lasting benefits for our people, our territory and future generations, while reinforcing our role as stewards of the earth."
Frédéric Vicaire, MMBC General Manager"The creation of a partnership that includes the Gespe'gewa'gi Mi'gmaq First Nation, the Alliance de l'énergie de l'Est and Hydro-Québec is a major step forward that will enable exploration and, potentially, sustainable wind power developments that contribute to the necessary energy transition. Participation in energy development by communities, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, is the most appropriate way to become actively involved in the major information, consultation and social acceptability process required for the development of territories for communities. In addition, it will result in significant economic spin-offs, for both the First Nations and MRCs involved, which will be used for the benefit of these populations according to their own priorities."
Michel Lagacé, President, Alliance de l'énergie de l'Est"This key partnership represents a major step forward in sustainable, concerted wind power development. Projects will bolster the economic vitality of eastern Québec and help meet our customers' growing demand for electricity. Alongside the Mi'gmaq communities of Gespe'gewa'gi and the Alliance de l'énergie de l'Est, Hydro-Québec reaffirms its commitment to establishing promising partnerships to promote the construction of future wind farms for the benefit of First Nations and other communities."
Claudine Bouchard, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hydro-Québec
