June 4, 2011
Letters, Ontario

Meeting wasn't stacked; A 'few' NMEPC members were invited to FWFN

The Chronicle-Journal, www.chroniclejournal.com 4 June 2011

Horizon’s claim, as reported in The Chronicle-Journal editorial June 3, that “roughly half of the people present (were) members of the Nor’Wester Mountain Escarpment Protection Committee (NMEPC)” is grossly exaggerated.
The few NMEPC members in attendance were personally invited by the FWFN members as observers only.
Horizon’s previous “open” houses required attendees to sign in and be videotaped prior to being allowed entry. Why wasn’t this procedure followed for the FWFN “open” house?
By suspending the mandatory sign-in and videotaping, Horizon can now inaccurately claim it was stacked with non-aboriginals from the NMEPC. How can they make this claim without proof? Were all non-aboriginals considered members of the NMEPC? How did they determine this number?
This misinformation comes from a direct quote from Horizon Wind’s local public relations firm and is an insult to First Nation citizens who were clearly in command and communicating their concerns regarding this project. In no way were NMEPC attempting to influence FWFN opinion and to suggest otherwise is to further insult FWFN’s ability to form their own opinion on this proposed industrial project on their traditional lands.
Was there misinformation? Absolutely.
We now know that that is no longer the original eight-turbine project located past Big Thunder, but rather up to 40 turbines located on Mount Johnson and near Sawdust Lake.
As well, in the latter stages, the turbines will be in excess of 650 feet, the size of Mt. Johnson itself.
This is another example of how Horizon and their public relations attempt to divide communities.
I congratulate those FWFN members who had the courage to speak and convey their heartfelt concerns and love of their land and traditional ways. A diverse group from elders to the children spoke from the heart and I commend them!
Irene Bond
Nor’Wester Mountain Escarpment Protection Committee
Thunder Bay

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/06/04/meeting-wasnt-stacked-a-few-nmepc-members-were-invited-to-fwfn/