Alderville First Nation Chief wants consultation rights respected on “nation building projects”

Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson meeting with Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo courtesy of Taynar Simpson Facebook.

By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative.

Ontario’s Darlington nuclear power generation phase one expansion project of small modular reactors, listed as one of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s five new “nation building projects,” a First Nation which has traditional territory in the area, is looking to ensure that its consultation rights remain intact.

The federal government’s One Canadian Economy Act aims to reduce approval processes and streamline regulatory oversight. But Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson is worried the speed of these projects could infringe on Indigenous Rights.

“We have too many unanswered questions at this point to have one response because we are not quite sure what the intentions of the federal government are at this point,” Simpson said.

Carney stated last week that the Darlington project once complete will be the first of four small module reactors that would provide clean, affordable and reliable power to 300,000 homes, while supporting 200 high-paying jobs and 1600 construction jobs. These projects are part of Carney’s efforts to strengthen the internal economy, in the face of uncertainty of the United States tariffs.

“Now, part of changing how we build is to build in true partnership with Indigenous Peoples,” Carney said Thursday in announcing the projects. “And to begin that, this summer I hosted three summits to engage First Nations, Inuit and Metis Rights holders on their priorities. And to explore the opportunities for equity ownership and broader economic benefits from this generational transformation in the Canadian economy.”

It's the pace at which these projects are coming to fruition that has Simpson and other Chiefs concerned their voices will not be heard. However, he said Ottawa has reassured him that Indigenous Rights will be respected.

“So, we’re looking for that seat at the table to ensure that our Treaty Rights aren’t going to be violated and to ensure that the inputs that we have been putting in for years,” said Simpson.

The Chief explained that Alderville has a good working relationship with Ontario Power Generation, regarding the Darlington project, but underscores the importance of maintaining this relationship, knowing that the Wesleyville power project will soon advance through the regulatory and construction phases.

Carney said he expects to announce more nation building projects in the coming months.