OWEN SOUND, ON--(Marketwired - July 28, 2014) - The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and the MNO Georgian Bay Traditional Territory Consultation Committee signed a five year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) on July 21, 2014.
The MOU outlines the process for continued consultation that will be followed between the MNO and OPG for the Deep Geologic Repository for low and intermediate level waste and OPG's nuclear waste operations in Kincardine, Ontario.
"This agreement is very important to Métis people," explained MNO Chair France Picotte, "because it guarantees that Métis rights will be protected and the Métis Way of Life in the Georgian Bay will be respected. We are pleased to continue working with Ontario Power Generation. Agreements like this one are another benefit that we see coming from the MNO-Ontario Framework Agreement, which was first signed in 2008 and which was renewed this year," she added.
Brian McGee, OPG Vice-President Nuclear Waste Management Division added: "Ontario Power Generation is committed to building long-term, mutually beneficial working relationships with the Métis Nation of Ontario. This agreement today will help us work together to strengthen this relationship even further and work towards common goals."
The MOU sets out the way in which the local Métis community, as represented by the MNO's Georgian Bay Traditional Territory Consultation Committee and the Community Councils that are part of the committee, will be consulted regarding the development of the project and details on how the parties will work together to address any potential impacts the project may have on Métis rights, interests and way of life.
MNO Regional Councillor Pauline Richardson, Chair of the Georgian Bay Traditional Territory Consultation Committee, commented: "Our community is very proud of the relationship that we have built with Ontario Power Generation -- Deep Geologic Repository for Low to Intermediate Level Waste. We see this relationship as an opportunity to foster new collaborations while working together to protect our traditional values and way of life. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship with Ontario Power Generation as their project progresses."
About Métis Nation of Ontario
The MNO represents the Métis people and Métis communities within Ontario through a province-wide governance structure at the local, regional and provincial levels. For more information on the MNO as well as its framework for government and companies to consult with Métis communities in Ontario visit www.metisnation.org.
About Ontario Power Generation
Ontario Power Generation Inc. is an Ontario-based electricity generation company whose principal business is the generation and sale of electricity in Ontario. Our focus is on the efficient production and sale of electricity from our generation assets, while operating in a safe, open and environmentally responsible manner.
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Contact Information:
For more information, please contact:
Mike Fedyk
Director of Communications
Metis Nation of Ontario
Phone: 613-798-1488
E-mail: mikef@metisnation.org
Ontario Power Generation
Media Relations
416-592-4008
1-877-592-4008
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