The Muteshekau-shipu Alliance, which I met for a feature-length documentary project, has just won the 2022 Rights and Freedoms Prize from the Commission for Human Rights and Youth Rights for its work to protect the Magpie River, on the North Shore.
One of the aspects of this land protection project that seemed important to me is the collaboration between the Innus of Ekuanitshit (Mingan), the elected officials of Minganie and environmental and citizen groups, such as the Society for Nature and Parks — SNAP Québec and the Association Eaux-vives Minganie (AEVM). This is undoubtedly one of the elements that contributed to the Alliance obtaining this prestigious award.
What is blocking?
I note that in recent years, Hydro-Québec has not put forward any hydroelectric projects. Many energy options are now available to us to diversify our renewable energy sources, more cost-effectively than building new dams.
The time has become more propitious than ever to finally protect this river, the Magpie, the Muteshekau-shipu in the language of the Innu.
There is consensus in Minganie, on the North Shore. Mayors, mayors and wardens all work hand in hand with the tourist community, environmental groups and Innu elected officials to protect the Magpie.
It is internationally recognized for white water sports.
It is the first in Canada to have obtained legal rights and personality.
However, time passes and nothing is done. No coverage. This blockage is inexplicable. Essentially, Hydro-Québec and the government want to retain the potential to harness a river with a meager potential of 800 MW of electricity when other solutions exist.
COP15 and protected areas
COP15 is currently being held in Montreal. Protected areas are still too few. However, the need for these wild territories is undeniable, as evidenced by the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which speaks of the loss of natural areas as a real threat to the survival of biodiversity. Other animal species also need it.
Today, I have come to believe that Hydro-Québec is in an extremely enviable position to participate in the energy transition without needing to harness the Magpie River.
Hydro-Québec has a great opportunity to show that it listens to First Nations, environmental groups and civil society. After all, this is one of the major orientations of its latest strategic plan.
Will the Prime Minister and the President and CEO of Hydro-Québec have the courage to reject any dam project on the Magpie River in order to turn resolutely towards innovation and give free rein to the protection of this river? unique ?