Cross-border Manitoba Hydro project approved by federal government

The federal government has approved a $453 million Manitoba Hydro transmission line to Minnesota.

The Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project – the subject of debate between the province and Ottawa for months – will see locally-produced hydroelectricity sent across the border.

The project will include the Dorsey Interprovincial Power Line, a 213 km, 500 kilovolt power line that will cross the border near Piney, Man., as well as modifications to a pair of existing lines.

“Canadians understand that a clean, modern, and resilient electricity network helps fight climate change and transition to a lower carbon economy,” said natural resources minister Amarjeet Sohi.

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“The Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project achieves these goals while enhancing the competitiveness of our electricity market and creating good, middle class jobs.”

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister clashed with the Manitoba Metis Federation over the project last year when he quashed a 50-year deal worth $67 million that had been negotiated between the federation and Manitoba Hydro to help support the transmission line. The premier called it “persuasion money” to a special interest group.

In response, nine of 10 Hydro board members resigned. They said Pallister had refused to meet with them to discuss important issues, including Indigenous rights.

The federation filed for a judicial review seeking to overturn the decision. It is to be heard by the courts in September.

Federation president David Chartrand suggested Friday that it’s time for the premier to sit down at the negotiating table now that the project has been approved.

“The green light is there. My olive branch is there. Let’s sit down at the table and come to terms,” he said.

The government has also instructed the National Energy Board (NEB) to amend five project conditions amid concerns raised by Indigenous groups during the consultation process.

Rochelle Squires, Manitoba’s sustainable development minister, said the province has worked with Indigenous partners and the Crown utility to ensure proper consultation on the project.

“Manitoba is always ready to sit at the table and talk about the conditions,” she said.

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With files from Austin Siragusa & The Canadian Press