Ottawa is spending more than $1 billion on Indigenous-led wind projects in New Brunswick to support the province’s clean energy transition.
According to a news release from the New Brunswick government, the federal government is spending:
- up to $1 billion for up to 670 megawatts of Indigenous-led wind projects through the Canada Infrastructure Bank
- up to $25 million for the 25-megawatt Neweg Energy wind project, a partnership with New Brunswick’s Mi’kmaq First Nations
- $500,000 to the North Shore Mi'kmaq Tribal Council to provide seven Mi’kmaq Nations in New Brunswick with resources and technical support and enable direct participation in clean energy opportunities
“We are very happy to be collaborating with federal and First Nations partners to grow our economy and decarbonize our electricity grid,” said Premier Susan Holt in the news release.
“Ensuring affordable and reliable energy for New Brunswickers and making progress on our clean energy commitments are priorities for our government.”
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The provincial and federal governments, in collaboration with First Nations partners, have already been working to identify and accelerate shared economic priorities for a net-zero future in the province’s energy and resource sectors.
The Indigenous-led wind projects are meant to provide emissions-free and affordable power for New Brunswick household and businesses.
“We have exciting opportunities before us that will lead to a cleaner environment, more economic growth and, most importantly, an affordable and secure energy supply for New Brunswickers,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy, who is also the minister responsible for energy.
“Here in New Brunswick, as well as throughout the Atlantic provinces, we face the highest rates of energy poverty in the country. This new federal funding for our priorities, as well as investment in Indigenous-led wind projects, takes us a step closer to meeting our clean energy goals and commitments.”
The new projects will help the province meet increased power demands resulting from population growth, economic development and electrification.
“Wind generation will not only complement our power grid, but allows us to grow our supply chain here in the province, creating jobs, investment and, at the same time, reducing emissions,” said Legacy.
