Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq and NSPML finalize a Socio-Economic Agreement for the Maritime Link Project
April 09 2015 - 8:46AM
Business Wire
The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs and NSP Maritime Link
Inc. (NSPML), a subsidiary of Emera (TSX:EMA), formally signed a
Socio-Economic Agreement for the Maritime Link Project.
This agreement builds on a positive relationship that has
developed between Emera and Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq over the years, as
well as commitments made during the Mi’kmaq Consultation process
conducted as part of the Project’s Environmental Assessment
(EA).
Under the Socio-Economic Agreement, NSPML will support the
Assembly’s participation in environmental monitoring programs in
Cape Breton during the construction phase; help build workforce
capacity within Mi'kmaq communities so they can benefit from the
Maritime Link and future projects and provide access for qualified
workers by working with contractors to ensure that Mi'kmaq and
other designated groups have equal opportunity for employment on
the Maritime Link Project.
“Through this socio-economic agreement we are demonstrating the
power of partnerships and collaboration for the Mi’kmaq of Nova
Scotia,” said Chief Terrance Paul, Co-Chair of the Assembly of Nova
Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs. “Agreements, such as this will help us to
achieve meaningful participation in projects happening on our
lands, and support efforts to strengthen our Mi’kmaq
communities.”
As part of this agreement, MEMSKI Projects Inc., a partnership
between the Membertou and Eskasoni Mi’kmaq communities, and the
Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR), a Mi’kmaq
organization focused on a sustainable and traditional approach to
natural resources, will both have significant roles. Through this
agreement, MEMSKI will be responsible for ongoing engagement and
training and UINR will be responsible for environmental monitoring.
All components of this agreement will be over seen by Kwilmu’kw
Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO).
“This agreement is built on the ongoing commitment our company
has made to partner with Aboriginal communities,” said Chris
Huskilson, President and CEO, Emera. “By working together and
building on our mutual strengths, this Project provides significant
economic and environmental benefits for the Mi’kmaq and to Nova
Scotia. Through increased access to local resource capacity, it
will also help support our goal of remaining on time and on
budget.”
As part of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Maritime
Link, the Federal Government and the Government of Nova Scotia have
been very supportive of Emera’s efforts to engage Aboriginal
communities adjacent to the project.
“The Government of Canada congratulates NSP Maritime Link Inc.
and the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia on the signing of their
Socio-Economic Agreement. The Lower Churchill Projects, benefiting
from the federal loan guarantee, will not only create jobs and
economic growth for people in Atlantic Canada, including First
Nations, but will also provide a stable and sustainable source of
energy for the region,” said Scott Armstrong, Parliamentary
Secretary to the Minister of Employment and Social Development and
Minister of Labour.
“Our government actively engages with the Mi’kmaq community on
energy projects and strongly supports agreements such as the one
signed today,” said Michel Samson, Energy Minister, Nova Scotia.
“We’re pleased to see the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia having access to
new business opportunities and training and it’s the type of
agreement we strongly encourage in our province.”
About The Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative
The Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative is the group that represents the
negotiations on behalf of the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, with the
Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada. The
Initiative was developed by the Mi’kmaq, for the Mi’kmaq. Through
these negotiations, we hope to finally implement our Rights from
the Treaties signed by our ancestors in the 1700s.
About Emera
Emera Inc. is a geographically diverse energy and services
company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia with $9.84 billion in
assets and 2014 revenues of $2.97 billion. The company invests in
electricity generation, transmission and distribution, as well as
gas transmission and utility energy services. Emera's strategy is
focused on the transformation of the electricity industry to
cleaner generation and the delivery of that clean energy to market.
Emera has investments throughout northeastern North America, and in
four Caribbean countries. Emera continues to target having 75-85%
of its adjusted earnings come from rate-regulated businesses. Emera
common and preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock
Exchange and trade under the symbols EMA, EMA.PR.A, EMA.PR.C,
EMA.PR.E, and EMA.PR.F. Additional Information can be accessed at
www.emera.com or at www.sedar.com.
About The Maritime Link Project
The Maritime Link is a 500 MW high voltage direct current (HVdc)
transmission project bringing energy from the Lower Churchill
project at Muskrat Falls to Nova Scotia. The Project will include
two 170 km subsea cables across the Cabot Strait, with almost 50 km
of overland transmission in Nova Scotia and close to another 300 km
of overland transmission on the island of Newfoundland. To learn
more visit www.emeranl.com.
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Media:KMKNOCrystal Dorey, 902-957-0549Communications
OfficerorEmera Newfoundland & LabradorJeff Myrick,
709-727-4754Senior Manager, Communications and Public
AffairsJeff.Myrick@emera.com
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