Business Briefs - May

A FISHING STRATEGY FOR 27
First Nations across northeastern Ontario will be developed by the Waubetek Business Development Corporation on Manitoulin Island. The Whitefish River-based organization received more than $44,000 from FedNor, a regional development organization, and will use it to enhance First Nations involvement in commercial fisheries, aquaculture, fish processing, and related industries. The long-term strategic plan for fisheries will outline steps to enhance business capabilities and identify new business ventures, as well as value-added opportunities. “This comprehensive strategy will help us to lay the groundwork for strategic alliances, opening doors to markets,” said Waubetek chair Martin Bayer. Funding for the project flowed through the Northern Ontario Development Program, which funds projects focused on economic development, business growth, and innovation.

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THE CHAMPAGNE AND AISHIHIK
First Nations, along with the Dakwakada Development Corp., has signed a protocol agreement with Yukon Energy Corp. to develop geothermal and biomass energy sources and create jobs for its members. Champagne and Aishihik hope to use 400,000 hectares of dead trees on its traditional territory to create energy. Yukon Energy spokesperson Janet Patterson said the utility is hoping for more partnerships with First Nations, but the relationship with Aboriginal groups has not always been solid, including with Champagne and Aishihik, due to the hydroelectric developments on Aishihik Lake. This agreement may help to put those difficulties behind them.

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NORTHERN LABRADOR’S INUIT
government says mining companies can’t pressure it to make a decision about lifting a ban on uranium mining. Nunatsiavut Lands and Resources Minister Glenn Sheppard said he understands the moratorium is costing companies money, but a mining plan must be developed before work can continue. The moratorium was put in place in 2008. Crosshair Exploration’s Mark Morabito said the moratorium has been difficult for his company as it had scared off investors. “Clearly after three years [Nunatsiavut] should have had enough time to look at whatever they feel the risks were,” Morabito said. The moratorium requires that a mining review be done, but there are no plans for one yet. In Baker Lake, Nunavut, a huge complex of uranium mines is being proposed, in the middle of important caribou habitat. The community faces the choice of allowing the mine to proceed for jobs, business opportunities, and royalties, or protect the wildlife, the ecosystem, and the community. It was uranium exploration, and its impacts on the life-giving caribou herds, that helped start the whole land claims process for Inuit in Nunavut, reads Rabble.ca. “In Baker Lake, a proposed uranium mine called ‘Kiggavik’ became the centre of controversy in the late 1980s and it was withdrawn from the environmental assessment process in 1990 after the community voted 90 per cent against uranium mining.”

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KEITH MATTHEW, THE FORMER
chief of Simpcw First Nation, has been named as an advisor to the board of directors of Yellowhead Mining Inc, reports chair T. Greg Hawkins. The announcement also names Paul Sweeney, recently retired executive officer of Plutonic Power Corporation, as a fellow advisor. “As we move the Harper Creek project through the development stages we will need direct access to the variety of skills that these gentlemen bring to Yellowhead in the fields of Community Relations, Project Finance and Project Development. Each of the individuals is a recognized and accomplished practitioner and we are fortunate to have gained their participation in our future,” said Hawkins. Matthew is a journalist and a long-time First Nations leader. While serving as a chief he concluded several major impact benefit agreements with Kinder Morgan Canada and Canadian Hydro Developers. He was also instrumental in the creation of both Simpcw Resources Ltd., the business arm of Simpcw First Nation, and Simpcw Heritage Trust, the wealth management arm of the community.

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THE TSAWWASSEN FIRST NATION
has signed with two property developers, Ivanhoe Cambridge and the Property Development Group, to convert 175 acres of land into a retail complex. “It will be the signature shopping centre in the province,” said Chris Hartmant, Tsawwassen First Nation’s Economic Development Corporation CEO. “A project like this will have a draw much further than the Lower Mainland. You have a significant population on [Vancouver] Island without a facility like this. There’s also significant traffic passing by the site going to BC Ferries. And it will draw people from other parts of the province,” Hartman said in an interview with the Vancouver Sun. The project, which includes 1.8 million square feet of retail, office, entertainment and other space, would start construction in late 2012. The first phase is expected to open in 2013 and the proposed project would be completed by 2015 at the latest.

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BRUCE POWER WILL DELAY
its plan to ship nuclear steam generators through the Great Lakes and along the St. Lawrence Seaway in order to consult with First Nations, Metis and others concerned stakeholders. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission recently granted a licence to Bruce Power to transport 16 steam generators to Sweden for recycling. Bruce Power said it wants to make sure the company is doing the right thing for the environment and that the chosen method of transportation is safe. “Our relationship with these groups, particularly with First Nations and Metis, are very important to us and we want to be respectful of their concerns and make sure their questions are answered,” said Steve Cannon, a company spokesperson.