Capacity building initiatives

Electricity Canada member companies also embark in Indigenous relationship building, investments and principles that transverse across business, education, and employment opportunities . Below are a few examples of member capacity building initiatives

BC Hydro supports energy conservation and electrification in communities

BC Hydro’s Indigenous Energy Management program provides funding, training and other resource support to grid-connected First Nations or Indigenous organizations to hire a designated Energy Manager to help plan, implement and evaluate electricity conservation and low carbon electrification-related initiatives It works closely with these partners to support the planning, management, and implementation of their work plans Currently, the company is also funding or co-funding six positions; some positions are co-funded with FortisBC where the outcomes support the objectives of both utilities Additionally, BC Hydro provides funding support for the network of Climate Action Coordinators in off-grid communities through the Coastal First Nations/Great Bear Initiative

Emera Partners with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre

In 2022, Emera partnered with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre to invest in Every One Every Day, a program to provide a shopfront space to bring together people from different parts of Halifax’s North End neighbourhood to create and learn from one another . One of the goals of this neighbourhood shopfront is to provide a building block for inclusive social and economic development and a hub for community innovation and co-creation while fostering a sense of belonging for all Nova Scotians to thrive in a more diverse and resilient society

FortisAlberta works to identify community workforce capabilities

FortisAlberta recognizes the need to identify workforce capabilities in each of the Indigenous communities in which we operate (e g ., vegetation management) . Once the opportunities are identified, the pre-qualification requirement process will be completed, which then allows the communities the opportunity to be included in the Request for Proposals (RFP) process .

Hydro One works to empower Indigenousowned businesses

Hydro One is committed to empowering Indigenous-owned businesses to foster an equitable and sustainable economy To that end, Hydro One partnered with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) to empower Indigenous Businesses through the Hydro One Indigenous Entrepreneurship Grant Program . This program aims to further empower Indigenous businesses by awarding 28 recipients with direct financial support . This partnership is a part of Hydro One's commitment to direct 20 per cent of its corporate donations and sponsorships to Indigenous communities and organizations that benefit Indigenous communities Hydro One is also committed to increasing its Indigenous procurement spend to 5 per cent of the company's purchases of materials and services by 2026 .

Hydro Quebec reaches agreement to power Kitcisakik

Kitcisakik is an Anishnabe (Algonquin) community of a few hundred people, located in the Réserve faunique La Vérendrye, a wildlife reserve one hour south of Val-d’Or . The public infrastructure is served by a diesel generator for electricity, while the population uses portable generators and wood for heating In May 2022, Hydro Quebec and the Kitcisakik Anicinapek Council announced a project to electrify the existing village, located on the edge of the Dozois reservoir The project is called Animiki Ickote, which means “electricity” in Anishnabe, and should be completed in 36 to 48 months

The project involves the construction of a 25 kV transmission line connecting the Louvicourt substation to the village, as well as a local distribution network within the community This major undertaking will require several months of engineering, design and construction . All the equipment design and construction costs, which are still not known at this time, will be borne by Hydro Quebec . Plans are underway to relocate Kitcisakik in a few years, but they will in no way be affected by the project to electrify the community Village residents will be able to count on a supply of electricity that will provide sufficient comfort until the community moves to its new location .

Manitoba Hydro addresses mercury levels in fish

Fish are an important part of a healthy Indigenous diet As a result of past experiences with hydroelectric development, the issue of mercury levels in fish and human health has been raised as a primary concern in relation to hydroelectric development . As part of the Keeyask Generation Project, Manitoba Hydro and the partner First Nations - Tataskweyak Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation, York Factory First Nation, and Fox Lake Cree Nation – are working together to holistically study the issue of mercury levels in fish and human health

A Mercury and Human Health Implementation Group (composed of the four partner First Nations, Manitoba Hydro, and provincial and federal health specialists) is leading efforts to build local understanding about mercury and the risks and benefits of eating fish Mercury Community Coordinators have been hired in each partner First Nation community to organize mercury and human health events . Events include fishing derbies, education, and information sessions, and a “Know Your Number” campaign to offer voluntary hair sampling and food survey events

New Brunswick Power works to support meaningful consultations

New Brunswick Power (NB Power) has agreements to support engagement and consultative activities with representatives for New Brunswick First Nation communities The agreements support the capacity required for meaningful, regular dialogue about proposed activities, construction, and operations by providing funding for jobs and studies Through regular dialogue, there has been collaboration for improving processes that meet mutual interests, such as environmental impact assessment filing and review, harvesting of materials of cultural value, and education and field monitoring

Nova Scotia Power Inc. provides capacity funding to enhance Indigenous engagement

Nova Scotia Power Inc (NSPI) has an annual capacity funding agreement with Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn, an organization that works on behalf of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs This funding agreement allows the Mi’kmaq to develop capacity to engage with NSPI about concerns and opportunities related to NSPI projects and operations NSPI also has a Mi’kmaw bursary program that provides support to Mi’kmaw students pursuing secondary education

Ontario Power Generation supports return to in-person community events

In 2022, with support from the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Corporate Citizenship Program, Indigenous organizations and communities were supported in adjusting to re-opening post-pandemic while ensuring the health and safety of community members and the public . There has been a return in 2022 to in-person programming and events, including Powwows and other traditional gatherings A mix of virtual and in-person programs will continue Indications are that in-person program delivery and events will increase further in 2023, approaching pre-pandemic levels . Year-to-date, OPG’s Corporate Citizenship Program has provided a total of $213,510 in community investment (donation and non-profit sponsorship) support to 46 Indigenous initiatives By year-end, it is estimated that Indigenous community investment will exceed $400,000 to more than 70 initiatives

SaskPower promotes Indigenous procurement

Since 2014, Indigenous procurement has resulted in over $400 million in contracts awarded to Indigenous suppliers This helps create economic development opportunities for Indigenous communities and businesses across Saskatchewan Indigenous suppliers address some of SaskPower’s most critical service needs These include, vegetation management, wood pole supply, and wood pole inspection and remediation Indigenous suppliers provide a wide range of services across the company In 2022, SaskPower contributed over $280,000 to Indigenous community partnerships and investment opportunities Sponsorships were presented to cultural events, northern community initiatives, sport programs, celebrations, and school activities .