Appeals contesting the vote to ratify the Wuskwatim Project Development Agreement (PDA) at the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) have been filed. Those who filed appeals have been informed by letter that Justice Ruth Krindle has been appointed to arbitrate the appeals.
The Wuskwatim PDA states that the arbitrator shall "not have had, within a period of one year prior to the date on which the matter was referred to arbitration, been a member of a firm that has acted as solicitor, counsel or agent to NCN, Hydro, or any of the parties to the arbitration". Justice Krindle is also an arbitrator for long standing compensation cases involving the Northern Flood Agreement (NFA). Over 350 NCN members have pending claims originating in the 1970s. At least one of the appellants appealing the Wuskwatim PDA vote is also dependant on Justice Krindle in her NFA role for resolution of an NFA claim.
Following Chief Jerry Primrose's announcement of PDA vote results June 15th, the Governments of Manitoba and Canada announced June 21, 2006 that environmental licenses for the Wuskwatim Projects were being issued. These announcements occurred prior to the close of the appeal period for the Wuskwatim PDA vote. To date the balloting results for several polling stations, on two days, have not been made public. The PDA appeals are also not yet public.
Appeals of the Manitoba Environment Act licenses (transmission system and generation station) can be filed by contacting the director of approvals for Manitoba's Environment Act. Deadlines are in early August.
View the July 12, 2006 Winnipeg Free Press article (DOC)
View the June 21, 2006 Government of Manitoba press release
View the June 21, 2006 Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency press release
View Manitoba Wildlands information on the Wuskwatim Licenses
View the June 19, 2006 Manitoba Wildlands news item on the Wuskwatim PDA Vote
Sources: Wuskwatim PDA, NCN Justice Seekers, Government of Manitoba, Government of Canada, Manitoba Wildlands |