QUEBEC
A Grande Alliance puts First Nations in the driver’s seat Cree-led, 30-year infrastructure plan to balance environmental protection and development By Alisha Hiyate
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n mid-February, the Grand Council of the Crees and the Quebec government announced the Grande Alliance – a 30-year infrastructure agreement that will see an estimated $4.7 billion invested in railway, road, power and port development in the remote Eeyou Istchee region of Quebec. The agreement was spearheaded by the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee, and attempts to coordinate development in Cree territory – which comprises over one-third of Quebec’s land mass. Under the plan, sensitive areas would be protected from development, with infrastructure built according to both community needs and industry needs. “This memorandum of understanding marks just the first stage in an ambitious process to transform Eeyou Istchee’s infrastructure and economy,” said Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees Abel Bosum at the ceremony, alongside Quebec Premier François Legault. “The project will help to unlock the wealth of the region’s varied natural resources and create jobs and business opportunities for the Cree and James Bay residents, while protecting the environment and wildlife. It paves the way to a bright future for our young people by giving them the necessary confidence to build their lives and start families in Eeyou Istchee.”
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Paul John Murdoch, the Grand Council’s chief negotiator with the government of Quebec, says the timing – in
Legault noted at the signing ceremony. “This memorandum of understanding proves that it is possible to work together
the midst of railway blockades and protests against the development of the Coastal GasLink Pipeline and in support of the Wet’suwet’un First Nation hereditary chiefs in B.C. – was notable. “It wasn’t lost on us that we signed this agreement in the midst of railway blockades and protests,” he told Canadian Mining Journal in late September. “We believe this is the way to ease those tensions – putting (First Nations) in the front seat.” Key to this First Nations-led approach to development is balance, as Premier
on ambitious socioeconomic development projects and take advantage of Northern Quebec’s vast mining potential for the benefit of both our nations, in a spirit of respect for the environment, the territory and Indigenous values,” he said. “This balance is important. It is part of the longterm perspective that the Cree Nation government has envisaged and reflects our desire to jointly build a greener, more prosperous and prouder Quebec.” Under Quebec’s Plan Nord, launched in 2011 by former Premier Jean Charest, $80 billion was supposed to be invested in www.canadianminingjournal.com
2020-10-05 5:48 PM
