Mi’kmaq leaders gain involvement in Maritime Link project

HALIFAX- A deal signed in Halifax today means Mi’kmaq leaders will have more involvement in a hydroelectric project known as the Maritime Link.

The agreement between energy company Emera and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs will allow them to monitor construction of the sub-sea cable and give Mi’kmaq companies fair and equal access to contracts on the project.

The Maritime Link — expected to be finished in 2017 — will transmit hydroelectricity from the island of Newfoundland to Nova Scotia, connecting Newfoundland and Labrador to the North American power grid for the first time.

The electricity will come from the Muskrat Falls project now being built in Labrador. (The Canadian Press)