(Eastmain, Eeyou Istchee) The Bernard-Landry dam and hydroelectric power station were officially designated by François Legault, as was the Paix des Braves reservoir, in a context where his government wants to move closer to the First Nations to double the size of Hydro-Québec.
What you need to know
- François Legault officially designated the Bernard-Landry dam and hydroelectric power station, as well as the Paix des Braves reservoir.
- The Prime Minister praised this historic agreement between Quebec and the Cree Nation, which has made it possible to produce hydroelectricity and enrich both peoples.
- This event is taking place in a context where the government and Hydro-Québec wish to convince the First Nations to double the production of the state-owned company, notably through projects built on their ancestral territories.
“Bernard Landry was a builder of the Quebec nation, a builder of the Quebec economy. […] “He was a man who loved Quebec, a visionary, someone who understood that pride also came through prosperity. What a beautiful tribute the Eastmain-1-A power plant is. Our dams are major projects that have enriched our nation,” Premier François Legault said Sunday.
Previously, the Bernard-Landry hydroelectric development was known as the Eastmain-1 dam and the Eastmain-1-A hydroelectric generating station. They have been named after Mr. Landry since 2019, as has the Paix des Braves reservoir, which commemorates the agreement concluded in 2002 between the Cree Nation and the provincial government, then led by Mr. Landry. But the official designation ceremony had never taken place, in part due to the pandemic.
In his speech, the Prime Minister called for inspiration from the legacy of Bernard Landry and the Paix des Braves for Hydro-Québec’s future energy development, as his government wants to significantly increase the state-owned company’s energy production in the coming years.
He made this statement in a context of tension with representatives of the First Nations.
PHOTO EDOUARD PLANTE-FRÉCHETTE, THE PRESS
François Legault indicated at a press conference that he was “personally” involved in the negotiations surrounding certain energy projects, whether with the First Nations or with Newfoundland.
François Legault indicated at a press conference that he was “personally” involved in negotiations surrounding certain energy projects, whether with the First Nations or with Newfoundland. However, there is no question of opening Hydro-Québec’s shareholding to First Nations, as requested Thursday by the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador, or of offering them a position on the board of directors of the Crown corporation. Instead, he wants communities to take part in energy projects on an individual basis. “I negotiate with the Crees, not with Mr. Picard [le chef de l’APNQL] “, said Mr. Legault.
The Peace of the Brave, an excellent agreement
Mr. Legault officially made this name change in the company of Mr. Landry’s family, including his widow, Chantal Renaud-Landry, and his children Pascale, Julie-Anne and Philippe Landry.
Ted Moses, Bernard Landry’s “friend and brother,” was Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees at the signing of the Paix des Braves. He was present Sunday, and was pleased that the latter’s memory was being recognized.
The Paix des Braves had a significant impact on the standard of living of the Cree, and was an excellent agreement, he argued.
PHOTO EDOUARD PLANTE-FRÉCHETTE, THE PRESS
Ted Moses
Would he like to see his name on a Hydro-Québec structure one day? “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to see it. For that to happen, I’d have to be dead,” he said with a laugh. But this question resonated during this tribute: Robert Kanatewat, a craftsman of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, pointed out that Quebec could make more room for the Cree in its toponymy.
Mr. Legault replied that he named the James Bay road “Billy-Diamond road” in 2020.
In parliamentary committee during the study of the energy reform bill on Thursday, the AFNQL asked the Quebec government to become a shareholder in Hydro-Quebec and to obtain management positions in the Crown corporation, otherwise its energy transition project risked hitting a wall.
“We recalled that the success of this energy transition, on which the energy development of nearly 10,000 MW is based, is entirely on our territory. If we do not have this adequate relationship, I would say good luck to the government in making this shift,” explained the Chief of Mashteuiatsh, Gilbert Dominique, on behalf of the AFNQL on Thursday at a press briefing.
PHOTO EDOUARD PLANTE-FRÉCHETTE, THE PRESS
The Paix des Braves reservoir has an area of 603 km2and is part of Hydro-Québec’s large reservoirs.
“The relationship with the First Nations is essential. Otherwise it will put a lot of stones in your moccasins,” he said.
On Sunday, Mr. Legault, for his part, affirmed that the Paix des Braves was a “historic agreement,” “a new economic partnership, advantageous for both the Quebec nation and the Cree nation.” “With this agreement, Bernard Landry established a standard that all future prime ministers have a duty to follow in their relations with indigenous nations,” he said.
François Legault took advantage of the trip to meet with members of the Nemaska Cree Nation band council.
Commissioned in 2012
PHOTO EDOUARD PLANTE-FRÉCHETTE, THE PRESS
The Bernard-Landry power station was commissioned in 2012. Work began in 2007.
The Bernard-Landry power plant was commissioned in 2012. Work began in 2007. It produces 2.3 TWh per year, the equivalent of the consumption of 135,000 homes, and has 768 MW of installed power.
The Paix des Braves reservoir has an area of 603 km2and is part of Hydro-Québec’s large reservoirs. The power station was able to be built by diverting a large part of the flow of the Rupert River.
The project had been in the pipeline since the start of the La Grande complex, but only began following the signing of the Peace of the Braves convention on February 7, 2002.