Statement on KCN Blockade Removal

May 26, 2020

Following the blockade of the Keeyask Hydro Electric Project in Northern Manitoba, the Allied Hydro Council (AHC) publicly acknowledged the legitimate right of Keeyask Cree Nations (KCN) and other northern communities to focus on the wellbeing of their members. The AHC also stated that as a workplace representative of some of the northern residents who are employed at Keeyask, it was hearing the same concerns from its membership. In its earlier statement, the AHC stated that Manitoba Public Health ought to take all steps necessary to address the legitimate concerns of northern communities as well as those asked to work in the North.

The AHC has always taken for granted that each of the stakeholders, including individual workers, has an unequivocal interest in the safety and wellbeing of people and the environment. Its statement on May 16 was predicated on that common interest being a driver for Manitoba Hydro, Joint Keeyask Development Agreement (JKDA) partners, northern residents and the Keeyask workforce.

On behalf of its members who remained concerned about their health, their employment as well as broader impacts of ceasing production at Keeyask. The AHC appreciates the leadership and efforts of principal stakeholders, including Manitoba Hydro and KCNs, to resolve difficult issues while upholding principles of consultation and the rule of law.

The AHC and its members thank all parties for an expeditious resolution of issues that will allow Keeyask operations to resume safely and without undue delay.

The AHC respectfully calls for continued reliance on dialogue and consultation that respects the law, advances reconciliation and allows all stakeholders the opportunity to continue moving forward with confidence and due regard for their individual and shared objectives and aspirations.

About Allied Hydro Council

The Allied Hydro Council of Manitoba (AHC) is a Council of 17 construction and trades unions that build hydro projects across Manitoba under the guidelines and standards set out in the Burntwood Nelson Agreement (BNA). AHC believes that a skilled northern Aboriginal workforce must be an enduring legacy of these projects. To that end, they are an active partner in training residents of First Nations communities and generating sustained employment for Aboriginal workers in the north.