First Nation demands stop to construction of gas plant

New Brunswick's biggest First Nation wants the provincial government to stop the construction of a controversial gas plant in southeastern New Brunswick, arguing no preparation work should happen until it reaches an accommodation agreement with the builder. Elsipogtog First Nation posted on its Facebook page last week a statement from the chief and council about the Holt government's decision to give the Tantramar gas plant conditional approval. They are concerned about the plant disturbing critical moose habitat, a migratory corridor for wildlife and a 'documented family trapline and camping area.' But the First Nation is unlikely to get its way, based on the provincial government's response. The Mi'kmaq community near Miramichi is about 100 kilometres north of Centre Village, a spot in Tantramar where the American firm ProEnergy plans on building a 500-megawatt plant on behalf of NB Power. The chief and council consider it part of their traditional Indigenous territory, with a legal title claim for more than 20,000 square km of land that's still pending. 'Elsipogtog is asking the Province to pause further licences, permits and approvals while the Nation, and the Crown and the project proponent complete consultation and reach agreement on reasonable accommodation,' the post stated. The 'Nation' refers to the Indigenous government, while the 'Crown' is the provincial and federal governments, which have inherited the role of the British monarchy in ancient treaties signed between the two sides three centuries ago. The 'proponent' is ProEnergy. 'Chief and Council remain open to a constructive path forward, including meaningful benefit sharing, decision-making and the exploration of majority Mi'kmaq ownership.' Arren Sock, Elsipogtog's chief, and the rest of the 13-member council did not reply to messages seeking further comment, including the idea they should have a majority ownership stake in the $2.8-billion business venture. A spokesman for the provincial government said on Friday that the environmental impact assessment, or EIA, the Department of Environment undertook already considered their concerns. 'The Environmental Impact Assessment process provides an opportunity for the public, including First Nations, to provide input and ask questions,' wrote Bruce Macfarlane in an email to Brunswick News. 'In addition, and in parallel, there is a duty to consult obligation, and the required consultation is considered completed.' On Aug. 28, Gilles LePage, the province's environment minister, announced conditional approval for the project, which NB Power says must be up and running by 2028 or the province risks running short on electricity. Without it, executives with the public utility say New Brunswickers could suffer brownouts or rolling blackouts. Opponents have decried the plan, arguing a gas plant, backed up by diesel, shouldn't be used to supplement wind and solar power when the weather isn't favourable or during winter peaks. They want massive backup batteries instead. They warn the proposed plant will add dangerous greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that warm the planet and threaten life as we know it. Detractors also say it will use too much water and pollute the air, water and soil, harming wildlife and the environment. LePage, however, said a technical review committee, with dozens of experts, carefully reviewed the plan and imposed 45 conditions that address every complaint. The site was selected because it intersects with NB Power's main transmission line and a natural gas pipeline that would serve the plant. Two of the conditions cite the Indigenous community. The first refers to a technical document that summarized concerns issued to Elsipogtog on June 19, which includes project design changes and accommodations referenced in the consultation record. The other speaks to ProEnergy's responsibility to keep the First Nation informed. 'The proponent must engage in on-going information sharing with Elsipogtog First Nation throughout the project in relation to any impacts on plant or wildlife, including moose, as identified by monitoring programs.' Reporters asked LePage why other First Nations weren't mentioned. The project is closer to Fort Folly First Nation, near Dorchester, which is about 22 km from Centre Village as the crow flies. Besides Elsipogtog and Fort Folly, there are seven other Mi'kmaq communities in eastern New Brunswick, all with territorial claims to the area. LePage said Elsipogtog was included because it had raised the most concerns. There are a series of permits and approvals ProEnergy must meet before and after construction starts. Those outstanding licences and permits are what Elsipogtog wants paused. The Facebook post argued that LePage gave conditional approval, 'even though consultation with Elsipogtog is not complete. Elsipogtog First Nation has not consented to the project.' The chief and council say a Mi'kmaq knowledge and land use study hasn't been completed, and 'meaningful accommodation for impacts on our rights and interests has not been agreed upon.' Macfarlane, however, pushed back against such an idea. 'The Department of Environment and Local Government will continue to work closely with the proponent to ensure the conditions of the EIA determination are followed,' the spokesman wrote. The chief and councillors insist NB Power chose the site without asking Elsipogtog's opinion. 'Earlier involvement could have allowed alternatives that reduce impacts on medicines, wetlands, wildlife habitat and the exercise of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights,' states the release. It also says the chief and council are not opposed to reasonable development. 'Elsipogtog remains willing to work toward solutions, but respect for our rights requires more than being informed after decisions have already been made.'Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.