Minister Lecce Holds a Press Conference | April 9

Summary

The press conference held by Minister Lecce highlighted Ontario's commitment to clean energy, focusing specifically on the development of new hydroelectric projects in collaboration with Indigenous communities. The conference emphasized the historic partnerships between Ontario Power Generation and First Nations, highlighting the importance of Indigenous leadership in planning and decision-making processes for new projects. Additionally, officials discussed the economic benefits these projects bring to local communities and the significance of Ontario's progress in renewable energy development. With hydroelectric power being a longstanding pillar of Ontario’s energy strategy, the event underscored future ambitions to meet growing energy demands with sustainable solutions while ensuring collaborations benefit all parties involved.

Highlights

• Minister Lecce emphasized the collaboration with Indigenous communities for sustainable hydroelectric project planning. 🤝
• Ontario Power Generation is working to refurbish and develop hydro stations with Indigenous participation. 🌊
• Minister Perry spoke of leveraging local resources and partnerships for economic development. 💼
• The potential hydro projects could significantly increase Ontario's energy capacity, supporting economic growth. ⚡
• Officials call for a focus on local energy solutions, reducing dependency on external resources. 🌍

Key Takeaways

• Ontario is investing in hydroelectric projects, emphasizing partnerships with Indigenous communities to ensure sustainability. 🌊
• Minister Lecce highlighted the importance of clean and affordable power for economic growth in Ontario. ⚡
• Indigenous leadership is crucial for the planning and execution of new energy projects, fostering economic reconciliation. 🤝
• The projects will potentially generate substantial power, enough for hundreds of thousands of homes, boosting energy infrastructure. 🏡
• Ontario is adopting a multi-faceted approach to energy generation, including nuclear, hydroelectric, and renewable sources. 🔋

Overview

In a significant push towards renewable energy, Ontario is ramping up its hydroelectric power projects, showcasing a robust partnership with Indigenous communities. Minister Lecce emphasized the importance of these collaborations at the recent press conference, aiming for sustainable and inclusive energy planning. The presence of various dignitaries, including Indigenous leaders, underscored the collective effort to advance Ontario's energy infrastructure.

The conference shone a spotlight on the new projects slated to harness the natural energy resources in Northern Ontario. As highlighted by the speakers, the inclusion of Indigenous expertise and leadership is pivotal in ensuring that these projects are not only economically beneficial but also socially responsible. The discussions were imbued with enthusiasm as plans for the Nine Mile Rapids and Grand Rapids projects were revealed, aiming to significantly boost Ontario's power capacity.

Minister Lecce and other officials emphasized the necessity for clean, affordable, and reliable power to sustain Ontario's growth. Against the backdrop of rising energy demands, the conference reiterated Ontario’s commitment to expand its renewable energy sources. This initiative not only promises to enhance local economies by creating job opportunities but also aligns with global energy sustainability goals, marking a new chapter in Ontario's energy narrative.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 00:30: Introduction and Welcome In the 'Introduction and Welcome' chapter, Heather Ferguson, the Senior Vice President of Business Development and Corporate Affairs at Ontario Power Generation, welcomes attendees to the Sandy Falls Generating Station. She acknowledges the presence of various notable individuals, including Muskree First Nation Chief Peter Wesley, Taquitagamon Nation Chief Bruce Archabald, and the Honorable Steven Leche.
• 00:30 - 03:00: Acknowledgements and Opening Remarks The chapter opens with acknowledgements from key figures in the region's energy and economic development sectors. Among those acknowledged were Honorable George Perry, Minister of Energy and Mines; Mayor Michelle Wo and Mayor Dave Plurard from Capis casing; along with chiefs from Matagamy First Nation. Also present was Paul Norris, President and CEO of the Ontario Water Power Association, and various community members and stakeholders, including a notable presence from OPG.
• 03:00 - 05:00: OPG's Commitment to Indigenous Partnerships The chapter titled 'OPG's Commitment to Indigenous Partnerships' highlights the company's acknowledgment and respect for the traditional lands of the Matagamy First Nation, where the site is located. It emphasizes OPG's recognition that all its generating stations are situated on the traditional lands of various First Nations across the province. The chapter underscores the importance of honoring the deep connection that Indigenous peoples have with the land and expresses gratitude to Indigenous communities for their stewardship and the knowledge they share.
• 05:00 - 08:00: Muskree Chief Peter Wesley's Remarks The chapter features remarks from Muskree Chief Peter Wesley during a gathering that highlights the important role of partnerships between OPG and Indigenous communities. The discussion focuses on the commitment to positive and mutually beneficial relationships, particularly in the development of new hydro-generating projects in northern areas to support Ontario's energy needs. The location of the gathering is noted as symbolic, being a site that has powered communities for over 115 years.
• 08:00 - 13:00: Taqua Tagamo Nation Chief Bruce Archabald's Remarks This chapter features remarks from Chief Bruce Archabald of the Taqua Tagamo Nation, highlighting the longevity and value of water power. He notes that over 40% of Ontario Power Generation's (OPG) facilities are over a hundred years old, exemplifying the lasting impact of hydropower investments. Chief Archabald emphasizes the importance of both investing in existing facilities, such as Sandy Falls, and exploring new hydropower generation opportunities. He stresses that hydro stations can operate for many decades, providing clean and sustainable power for future generations.
• 13:00 - 18:30: Minister Leche's Remarks Minister Leche expressed gratitude towards the local communities and highlighted the economic benefits of hydro power in Ontario.
• 18:30 - 21:00: Honorable George Perry's Remarks In this chapter titled "Honorable George Perry's Remarks," the focus is on the remarks given by various distinguished individuals during a significant announcement. It begins with the introduction of a process for new hydro development on certain territories. Notably, Muskree Chief Peter Wesley is warmly welcomed to share his views. In his brief address, Chief Wesley expresses his gratitude and honor for being part of the event, and confirms the Moose Creek First Nations' support for the ongoing work with Ta Tagamu. The chapter emphasizes collaboration and support from indigenous communities in development projects.
• 21:00 - 25:00: Discussion on Energy Potential and Development The chapter discusses the collaboration between First Nations and a co-planning committee to explore future hydroelectric development in the Moose River basin. The region holds significant potential for cost-effective hydro projects in Ontario. The focus is on a new co-planning process led by First Nations, which aims to guide decision-making for future hydro projects in their homeland.
• 25:00 - 31:00: Conclusion and Closing Applause The chapter titled "Conclusion and Closing Applause" discusses a new collaborative effort between communities and the province to manage Ontario's power needs. The focus is on a partnership with Ontario Power Generation for hydro development on the lower Matogamy River. This collaboration aims to create a streamlined process that balances environmental impacts with community benefits.

Minister Lecce Holds a Press Conference | April 9 Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 Okay. All right. Go. Good morning and thank you all for joining us here at OPG's Sandy Falls Generating Station. My name is Heather Ferguson and I'm the senior vice president of business development and corporate affairs at Ontario Power Generation. I want to welcome a fairly long list of folks here today. First off, Muskree First Nation Chief Peter Wesley. Taquitagamon Nation Chief Bruce Archabald. The Honorable Steven Leche,
• 00:30 - 01:00 Minister of Energy and Mines. The Honorable George Perry, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. Also MPP for Timonss. Timmans mayor Michelle Wo. Capis casing mayor Dave Plurard, chief of Matogamy First Nation, chief constant from Matagamy First Nation, Paul Norris, president and CEO of the Ontario Water Power Association, as well as community members, local stakeholders, and quite a crowd from OPG. Thank you all for being
• 01:00 - 01:30 here today. Before we begin, I'd like to start by respectfully acknowledging that the site we are gathered on today is located on the traditional lands of Matagamy First Nation. Further, we acknowledge that all of OPG's generating stations are located on the traditional lands of many First Nations across the province. It's through these relationships that we've come to honor the deep connection that indigenous peoples have with the land. And we offer our gratitude to indigenous communities for their care of and teaching about
• 01:30 - 02:00 this land on which we have the privilege to live and to work. As a company, OPG remains committed to developing positive and mutually beneficial relationships with indigenous peoples and communities. And this includes building partnerships on new hydrogenerating projects here in the north to help power Ontario's future. So, it's it's very fitting um as we look to the future that we're gathered here at a site that's been powering communities for almost 115
• 02:00 - 02:30 years, as have many other hydro stations across the province. And we often like to say that over 40% of OPG's facilities are over a hundred years old. That longevity is the true value of water power. So whether it's investments in existing facilities like Sandy Falls where we are today or new hydrogeneration opportunities, these will be appreciated by multiple generations that come after us. Hydro stations are capable of operating for many decades, generating clean power as
• 02:30 - 03:00 well as important economic benefits for the province and the local and indigenous communities. I want to thank Minister Leche and the province for their continued steadfast support and commitment to hydro power in Ontario. And it's with your support that we are now refurbishing and redeveloping our expansive fleet across the province. And it's also with your support that we now look forward to working with TTN and Mousree in a First Nationled planning
• 03:00 - 03:30 process for new hydro development on their territories. And with that, I would like to welcome Muskree Chief Peter Wesley to share a few remarks. [Applause] Good morning. Thank you, Heather. I just want to say I'm honored to be here today. Happy to be part of this announcement. Uh, Moose Creek First Nations supports our work with Ta Tagamu
• 03:30 - 04:00 Nation and the co-planning committee to explore future water power development within the Moose River basin. Our homeland offers some of the most cost-effective potential for hydro projects in Ontario and we look forward to working together towards a new way to consider future projects through a co-planning process. a process that is led by First Nations and will give direction on how decisions are to be made regarding future hydroelectric projects across our homeland. In the
• 04:00 - 04:30 past, we were not part of this process and we are excited to work with the province on this new way forward. This collaborative effort aims to focus on the power needs of Ontario while respecting the interest of both communities and building upon our partnership with Ontario Power Generation on the lower matogamy river project. Our co-planning work will develop a streamlined process for potential hydro development, ensuring environmental impacts are evaluated and understood by our communities in addition to the benefits these projects
• 04:30 - 05:00 could bring in terms of jobs and long-term revenue. Our communities and our values will guide the process in a way that will make projects a success not only to our communities but for all of Ontario. We thank the Minister of Energy and the province for standing by the Moose River Basin and Northern Rivers commitment and look forward to continue our work with Ontario Power Generation, our partner in principle in this potential new development. And thank you. I want to call upon call upon
• 05:00 - 05:30 my colleague Chief Bruce Archable, Taqua Tag Nation. [Applause] Watch good morning. I'd like to be begin by thanking Minister Leche, Minister Perry, represents from our partner and principal Ontario Power Generation for all the distinguish and for all the distinguished guests that are here today with us. I especially
• 05:30 - 06:00 want to recognize from those from Moose Creek First Nation, our neighbors, partners in the co and the co-planning committee. It is our honor to join you today to discuss an important work being done by the the hydroelectric co-planning committee led by Taco Tagamo Nation and Moose Creek First Nation. Our two nations are leading discussions and the decision-making process for potential hydroelect electric projects within our
• 06:00 - 06:30 shared territories that could create local jobs and e and economic community benefits while helping the province meet rising demand for electricity, especially in Northern Ontario. This is an opportunity for us to showcase that new large-scale projects can be built on time and on budget when First Nations are involved and have a seat at the table from the beginning. And now, thank you to the work of the co-planning committee and our other partners at OPG and the
• 06:30 - 07:00 Ministry of Energy. Two potential sites now new hydro electric projects have been identified. Further study and planning work Nine Mile Rapids on the Abot Tibby River north of Otter Rapids and Grand Rapids on the Mogamy River north of Kipling Generating Station. Projects like this offer local jobs, economic opportunity for our youth and long-term benefits for our nation. You know, economic
• 07:00 - 07:30 reconciliation means, you know, we lead not just to participate. It means that our voices and our priorities are heard and respected at each and every stage of this process. This is also an opportunity for the province to walk the walk on nation to nation collaboration. This means supporting First Nationsled approaches while helping to achieve Ontario's energy and infrastructure goals. Thank you to Minister Leche for
• 07:30 - 08:00 acknowledging co-planning commit commitment and showing the rest of Canada what true economic reconciliation means to our communities. We look forward to continuing the exploration of potential hydroelectric opportunities together and doing our part to support Ontario's work to meet rising demand for electricity here in the north and across Ontario. Migwitch, thank you.
• 08:00 - 08:30 Okay. Well, good morning everyone. It's wonderful to be with you today. I want to say first off uh it is an honor to be back in Timmons uh with these fine leaders behind me. I want to first off acknowledge uh that we are uh we are joined with some of the leaders that made this project happen. And I'm referring of course the indigenous chiefs who are standing be behind me but have been leading uh this process from day one. This was a dream a vision from
• 08:30 - 09:00 over 30 years of talk and finally we have action today and this would not have happened if they they didn't take that first step and lead the way. So I'm very grateful to all the chiefs who are with us today for their leadership in making it happen. I'm also grateful to my parliamentary colleague George Perry who's been an absolutely outstanding representative in voice for the people of Timonss for Northern Ontario who is now in a critical role to help ensure
• 09:00 - 09:30 economic development in partnership is achieved and realized so that your your children could get a job and own a home in the community they raised and that is a beautiful mandate that I know George is fully committed to achieving having been a a strong mayor, a strong leader in business, and a proud Canadian. So, congratulations, George, upon your re-election, sir. I'm looking forward to working with you, and likewise, uh, thank you to the mayors for joining us. It's always a pleasure to have you today. I mean, look, we need more power.
• 09:30 - 10:00 Like, in Northern Ontario, we need 81% more power. That is roughly 6% higher than the provincial average. You're doing something right here. businesses, industry, agriculture, families, everyone needs more clean, affordable power for the growth of our country. And we have a huge opportunity to lean into hydro power, clean, reliable, and yes, affordable, the most affordable power source we can uh generate in the
• 10:00 - 10:30 province of Ontario. And I'm so grateful that we have partnerships led by First Nation communities that are helping to drive the bus. I was told they they're driving the bus, they own the bus. Uh and they want us to be part of this uh part of this process of sharing the prosperity and the wealth. And I love that expression because what it means is government and through OPG and through the Ministry of Energy and Minds, we can partner with leaders on the ground who know their territories best, who want to
• 10:30 - 11:00 maintain a clean environment for their children, but want to make sure we're also part of the solution to grow and seeing economic development and reconciliation being realized like today, not in another 50 or 100 years down the road. And so I want to acknowledge the progress we're making, but also acknowledge the problem we have. And so we've taken an all the above approach on energy generation. OPG has been on the forefront of this. It could be through our clean nuclear fleet. It could be through the largest expansion and uh renovations to our
• 11:00 - 11:30 hydro fleet in eastern and northern Ontario. It of course could be our renewable energy expansion through the largest public procurement in Canadian history, 7,500 megawatts of clean power. uh and likewise uh through other sources of technology we're using including storage the largest storage fleet in the con in the country is taking place right here in Ontario and so the third largest on the continent so we are literally leading the way and that's why I wanted to come to Timmans today because I thought this is exciting 30 years of talk we finally you know the chiefs have
• 11:30 - 12:00 been kind and and expressing gratitude to George and myself but the truth is they deserve the credit it just took a government that was able to realize that we've got the best partners on the around who want to make things happen for their community and that's what we're doing today where this is yes it's nation building we're building energy that hasn't been done in the province um in roughly a decade the government of Ontario has not invested in net new largescale hydro uh in a long time too long some would submit but certainly for
• 12:00 - 12:30 the communities behind me they would submit for 30 years we could have done this a long time ago and so we're very very honored to be working in partnership with uh this the communities here of course TTN Moose Creek First Nation all of whom have been taking brilliant work uh when it comes to hydroelectric generation and I mean what I will say to you is over the past six years we really ensured that the communities were in the driver's seat and the new 9mm rapids generating station as we the the concept we're
• 12:30 - 13:00 talking about today the new Grand Rapids generating station these potential projects could generate up to 430 megawatt lots of clean, affordable power. That's enough power for 430,000 homes in the province of Ontario. And this expansion is not just going to help support Ontario's economic growth, but it will support the entire energy ecosystem. You know, it could be for manufacturing or technology or mining, whatever it is, we need the power. It needs to be affordable, clean,
• 13:00 - 13:30 and always reliable base load power that we can depend on in our country. And for over a century, hydroelectric power has been at the center of our economy. And so it's a great honor to be leaning in to hydro power today, doing it in partnership with great advocates like Paul and others who've been uh strong defenders of this and the workers who are with us today who every day come into work to make sure the lights are on. And you know, a million people in southern Ontario were affected by one of the worst storms in a 30 years. So I want to thank the frontline workers,
• 13:30 - 14:00 some of whom are with us today, because you folks make it happen. like we we cut the checks, you do the work, and you deserve all the credit. So, I want to thank you all for your amazing commitment to being with OPG. These are folks who stay with OPG often 20, 30, 40 years. They are loyal to the brand because they're a good employer and because they're good workers. And I think that's a great story to tell today. I also want to say that, you know, so while we're proud to make this investment, proud to make this announcement, proud to lean in to 400 plus megawws of additional net new
• 14:00 - 14:30 power, we're also realizing that the north is growing and we need to colllocate more generation closer to where the uh where that demand is. You know, less transmission lines. Let's bring more energy and utilize or generate more energy in the north. And that's what we're doing today. Now, what we did yesterday was something a bit different, but it's common theme. We're up against a common threat as Canadians. You know, for all of our differences in the room, we perceive our differences. We are very much united today as
• 14:30 - 15:00 Canadians as we stand up to President Trump. Uh a man who cavalerely speaks about the, you know, uh annexing our country and our economic and cultural sovereignty is at risk. And so yesterday, I asked all of the utilities of Ontario to step up and to follow Ontario's lead by ending American procurement in buying Canadian, supporting Canadian workers and Canadian steel and wood and materials that are fundamental to our economy and to our
• 15:00 - 15:30 future prosperities. We're up against uh this warfare from the south. And I'm proud that utilities are answering the call and the largest in the country already said yes, they're going to follow suit. And I will tell you before the media even get to the question of on hydro power, we're at over 90% of the procurement of all the things we buy to make these things happen are Canadian. In nuclear, we're over 94%. We are leading by example. And I'm so grateful that we have a great story to
• 15:30 - 16:00 say by Canadian, built by Canadian. That's the future of energy in Ontario. And I just want to thank you all for being a part of this enterprise, for believing in the power of affordable energy and clean clean power. And more importantly, I want to thank your MPP, a minister, a dedicated member, someone who has lived spent many years in public service. George is, yes, Ontario's Minister of Northern Economic Development, but he is also a mentor for me. I mean, there's no greater subject expert when it comes to mining than this
• 16:00 - 16:30 man. He's been a wonderful champion. He's been a good friend and I can't wait to get going and working with him on more projects like this that are going to make a difference and improve the quality of life and the economic the economics of Northern Ontario. So, please welcome the hardest working member in Northern Ontario, George Perry. Thanks so much. Well, um Stephen, thank you very much for those kind words. Um really and truly it's it's uh it's just a real
• 16:30 - 17:00 honor to be standing here uh with you today. Uh again, thank you very much for those kind words. Um I'm honored and humbled to be standing here today uh in front of three chiefs that are absolutely responsible for the development that we're talking about today. This Sandy Falls power generation st started here in about 1909 shortly after
• 17:00 - 17:30 the discovery of of of gold and um it really doesn't matter if we at that at that time uh world's richest gold fields um you could have all of the bounty in the world but unless you have energy to power the development it doesn't happen. Uh I have a map in my This will surprise a few people. I've got a map in my
• 17:30 - 18:00 office that goes back to 1911 and the Sandy Falls generation station is already marked uh on on that map with the transition line transmission line. Uh last time I was talking about energy in Timmans, it was when the transform was transformer was delivered into the gold center uh station. Uh and I spoke that at that time about how important and how essential energy
• 18:00 - 18:30 is and it's a natural partnering of energy and minds. The what we have now with the ministry of minds is natural without any development. Nothing can develop can be developed without energy. It's um it's so it's just natural that we have ministry minister uh Steven Lecher here, Minister of Minds and Energy. They they work together like
• 18:30 - 19:00 this. They have to work together. I think I've told you already that the highest potential for new hydrogeneration in the province exists in the Moose River Basin and the Albany River Basin. Together, there's 3570 megawatts of potential in northeastern Ontario. Jackfish in in northwestern Ontario's
• 19:00 - 19:30 got about 78 megawatts and it's all going to be required to do what we must do to pivot away from our dependent dependence on the US markets. We have what the world wants in our backyard in everything. I mean agriculture, forestry, mining, manufacturing, all require all require
• 19:30 - 20:00 energy. If we're going to re realize our dreams and our potential, we need energy. And we have it in spades in our backyard in the Moose River Basin and the Albany River Basin. That's our future. It starts with energy. We've got the projects. We'll have the energy to develop them. And it starts again. And it's all made possible with the
• 20:00 - 20:30 partnerships with the First Nations people that we have right [Applause] here. It's an exciting time. It's getting more exciting. I don't know how you feel about it, Mr. Leche, but I'm not threatened by these tariffs. We have what the world wants
• 20:30 - 21:00 right here in our backyard. All we have to do is seize the day, speak with one voice to ensure that we achieve our destiny. I hope you're as excited as as I am. I'm really excited about this announcement. Have a great day. [Applause]
• 21:00 - 21:30 [Music]