November 27, 2013
Ontario

Horizon walks out of Fort William First Nations meeting

Horizon Blows Out of Wind Energy Meeting | By James Murray | 26 November 2013 | www.netnewsledger.com

THUNDER BAY – Horizon walked out of meetings with Fort William First Nation, the Province of Ontario, City of Thunder Bay, and Municipality of Neebing. The First Nations / Crown Consultation meetings today at the Victoria Inn in Thunder Bay saw the wind energy company walk out of the meeting twenty minutes into the session.

Fort William First Nation has long stated that there have been no formal consultation process engaged with their community.

Chief Georjann Morriseau speaking to media explained that there is a duty to consult and that includes all of the treaty partners in the Robinson Superior Treaty.

The walk-out by Horizon was not commented on by the company. “We are not giving any interviews,” stated the company’s spokesperson.

Opponents of the Big Thunder Wind Project on the Nor’Wester Mountain Escarpment have long suggested that the company has not fully and openly consulted.

The Issues Management Consultant for the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Lisa Brygidyr stated that while some people thought that the decision had been made that no decision on the wind project has been made.

The company has without permits, Brygidyr commented done extensive geological testing on the Nor’Westers.

The closed door meeting offered the project the opportunity to open the door to discussions with Fort William First Nation.

The goal for Fort William First Nation was meeting with the Ontario Government although the federal government’s engagement is also welcomed.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/11/27/horizon-walks-out-of-fort-william-first-nations-meeting/