Northlands Power ensures consultation a priority

A new power station in the works, Northland Power, is making an effort to involve First Nations surrounding North Battleford in the construction of a $700 million power station, says a spokesperson for the organization. Hands-on involvement is promised to bands that opposed the project from its inception.

Director of Communications for Northland Power, Boris Balan, said he has been keeping close contact with First Nations, such as Red Pheasant, who has publicly accused Northland Power of not consulting with local First Nations on the new power station.

“I have met several times with Red Pheasant and other First Nations in the area,” said Balan.

He added that a meeting with local bands was scheduled on August 12 in order to discuss the employment opportunities that will be available to band members as the power station is in construction until 2013.
Construction began in July.

Red Pheasant First Nations Chief Stewart Baptiste issued a press release on June 24 accusing Northland Power of not properly consulting with local bands.

“North Battleford First Nations provide and represent several qualified and skilled construction and contracting companies that provide local employment and economic development for everyone in the community while delivering qualified and specific project results,” he stated.

“These companies and First Nations leaders are feeling a sense of frustration in being shut out of local mega project development opportunities.”

Balan said Northland Power has maintained consistent communication with the First Nations bands since the beginning, and they have made an extra effort since the Red Pheasant First Nations press conference, which was held on June 25.

Although Sage attempted to contact Chief Baptiste to get his thoughts on Balan’s statements, calls were left unreturned.

Northland will supply SaskPower with power from the natural-gas-fired plant under a 20-year agreement. The company has been in business since 1987, with projects in Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan.

The other bands in the area include Little Pine, Lucky Man Cree, Mosquito, Sweetgrass and Moosomin First Nations.