June 16, 2009, Kincardine, ON – The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) has received funding from the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency to facilitate Métis engagement in the ongoing Joint Review Panel assessment of an application from Bruce Power to begin site preparation for future construction of a nuclear reactor generating station in Kincardine, Ontario.
“The funding will enable the MNO to work with its Community Councils and the over 3,000 Métis citizens it represents in the Bruce, Grey and Simcoe counties to become involved in the review of Bruce Power’s application for a New Nuclear Build,” said Gary Lipinski, MNO President.
Lipinski added, “The potential effects of this New Nuclear Build on Métis rights, interests and way of life in the region must be determined, considered and addressed. This funding will allow the regional rights-bearing Métis community that lives in and uses this territory to begin its important work to ensure appropriate consultation takes place.”
This announcement builds on the recently signed Regional Consultation Protocol between the MNO President and Métis leaders in the region. The Protocol sets out a process for consultation with the regional rights-bearing community in the Georgian Bay traditional territory, an area that encompasses roughly the counties of Bruce, Grey and Simcoe.
Métis community meetings on the New Build Project will be held over the next few months. As well, mail outs on the New Build Project and the Joint Panel Review process will be sent to Métis citizens over the summer. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Hank Rowlinson, MNO Manager Community Relations at 1-800-263-4889.
The MNO represents Métis citizens and communities throughout the province of Ontario. For more information about the MNO and its consultation and accommodation related activities visit: www.metisnation.org/consultation [[ ** Link to: https://www.metisnation.org/consultations/index.html ** ]].
For further information or interviews contact:
Hank Rowlinson
Manager of Community Relations
Tel: 1-800-263-4889