FINAL LICENCES FOR CHURCHILL RIVER DIVERSION, LAKE WINNIPEG REGULATION AND JENPEG GENERATING STATION

May 13, 2021 STATEMENT FROM CONSERVATION AND CLIMATE MINISTER SARAH GUILLEMARD ON FINAL LICENCES FOR CHURCHILL RIVER DIVERSION, LAKE WINNIPEG REGULATION AND JENPEG GENERATING STATION

Today, Manitoba Conservation and Climate issued the final licences to Manitoba Hydro for the Churchill River Diversion, Lake Winnipeg Regulation and Jenpeg Generating Station.

The province has undertaken rigorous and decade-long consultations with the Indigenous communities affected. As a direct result of concerns raised, Manitoba Hydro will be held to multiple licence and non-licence conditions in the operation of these water-power licences. Consultation will continue into the future, by the province and by Manitoba Hydro.

I look forward to the significant work required to develop a provincial framework for large area planning, as well as reviewing the Environment Act and the Water Power Act. These projects will change the way the province handles the licensing process for these significant hydro projects in the future.

I have heard the concerns of the many communities affected. While these licensing conditions and next steps reflect the concerns raised, as minister, I will continue the dialogue with communities and will not hesitate to add conditions in the future should they be required. My department and I will continue the hard work of addressing environmental concerns and protecting Manitobans.

The province will continue to engage with First Nations and northern communities to foster future prosperity while ensuring conditions on resource development address environmental impacts. The province will also ensure measures are taken to restore and enhance wildlife and fish habitats, and the natural resources of our communities.

For more information: • Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744. • Media requests for general information, contact Communications Services Manitoba: 204-945-3765. • Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Communications and Stakeholder Relations: 204-945-4916.