Wuskwatim Generation - Transmission Projects Chronology Continued

• November 29, 2006 - Manitoba Wildlands and Trapline 18 release a media statement regarding the appeal process for the Wuskwatim Generating Station licence (see Manitoba Wildlands' news item)
• November 24, 2006 - Deadline for submissions by appellants for the appeal of the Wuskwatim Generating Station licence (Manitoba Wildlands' submission; Trapline 18's submission)
• October 6, 2006 - Manitoba Wildlands is notified by Manitoba Justice that appeals of the Wuskwatim Transmission project licence will be heard by the Minister of Conservation and approved by the Lieutenant Governor.
• September 29, 2006 - Manitoba Wildlands and Trapline 18 are notified by Manitoba Justice that appeals of the Wuskwatim Generating Station licence will be heard by Cabinet.
• August 24, 2006 - NCN announces the results if its 2006 election for Chief and Council. Jim Moore will be the new Chief for the Nisichawayasikh Cree Nation, unseating incumbent Chief Jerry Primrose.
• August 11, 2006 - The Government of Manitoba announces the signing of an agreement between the Province, Nisichawayasikh Cree Nation (NCN), and the Wuskwatim Partnership for the protection of heritage resources. The agreement recognizes that the Wuskwatim Partnership, NCN and the Province all have an interest in the protection and co-management of heritage resources that may be discovered during construction of the Wuskwatim projects.
• August 2, 2006 - Deadline for appeals regarding Manitoba Environment Act Wuskwatim Generating Station licence (Manitoba Wildlands' submission; Trapline 18's submission).
• August 1, 2006 - Deadline for final submissions regarding appeals of the Wuskwatim Project Development (PDA) referendum. The appeals are being heard by retired Justice Krindle. No final determination regarding the appeals filed, as of August 28, 2006. Justice Krindle was appointed by Canada and Manitoba last winter to be the arbitrator for claims under the Northern Flood Agreement.
• Late July 2006 - An arbitration hearing takes place in Nelson House, Manitoba regarding the status of the NCN Hydro Trust, and recent use of its funds. A written decision on the matter is expected in September 2006.
• July 21, 2006 - Deadline for appeals regarding Manitoba Environment Act Wuskwatim Transmission Line licence. At least 16 appeal letters filed.
• June 21, 2006 - Manitoba Conservation Minister Stan Struthers issues two environmental licences for the Wuskwatim projects. The generating station licence, to the Wuskwatim Power Limited Partnership, allows for construction, operation and maintenance of the generating station, and related dams, dikes, channels, control structures and infrastructure, including roads. The transmission project licence for Manitoba Hydro is for construction, operation and maintenance of Wuskwatim transmission projects (three transmission line segments, new transmission station developments at Wuskwatim, Birchtree near Thompson, modifications to existing Herblet Lake and Rall's Island transmission stations at Snow Lake and The Pas). The water power licence would allow the Wuskwatim Power Limited Partnership to use water to operate the Wuskwatim generating station within regulated flows and levels.
• June 15, 2006 - NCN announces that community members have voted in favour of accepting the Wuskwatim Project Development Agreement (PDA). As of July 24, 2006, official results of the ballotting are not public.
• March 30, 2006 - NCN and Manitoba finalize the Wuskwatim Project Development Agreement (PDA) and publicly announce the dates for the NCN referendum that will decide whether NCN is an equity partner in the Wuskwatim Generation Project. The referendum will take place via secret ballot June 14th, with advance polling on June 7th. The PDA itself was not available to all voters, and copies were not made available upon request for almost a month after the announcement.

• December 22, 2005 - A bulletin is posted indicating that negotiations for a Project Development Agreement (PDA) between Manitoba Hydro and NCN as equity partners in Wuskwatim have not yet resulted in an agreement. A referendum vote on the PDA will not occur before spring 2006.
• December 21, 2005 - Several communities and organizations file public review comments regarding the Wuskwatim generation project, in response to the DFO comprehensive study report. The federal CEAA public registry listing for Wuskwatim.
• November 2005 - The federal comprehensive study report (CSR) for Wuskwatim, authored by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), is released with 30 days for review and public comments.
• September 2005 - Nisichawayasikh Cree Nation begins reviewing Environmental Protection Plans for the Wuskwatim projects.
• July 2005 - Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board makes an application for a name change to its original June 2003 application for an interim licence under the Water Power Act. Notice is posted through the Winnipeg Free Press on September 10, 2005, with comments or objections being accepted until September 19, 2005. The Wuskwatim Power Limited Partnership has as its general partner a numbered company wholly owned by Manitoba Hydro.

• October 4, 2004 - CEC releases its report and recommendations (dated September 22, 2004) submitted to the Minister of Conservation regarding the licensing of the Wuskwatim projects. Report is available for download on CEC website. (PDF)
• June 9, 2004 - CEC hearings for the review of the Wuskwatim projects are adjourned. Proceeding stays open for two weeks in order to receive comments regarding Minnesota senate hearing participation by Manitoba Hydro.
• March - June, 2004 - CEC Wuskwatim hearings ongoing. For news, summaries, transcripts and links, visit EnergyManitoba.org.
• March 1, 2004 - CEC hearings for the review of the Wuskwatim projects begin.
• February 17, 2004 - CEC informs Chair of the PAT that the PAT is required to provide a panel of government representatives with the "expertise, experience and authority" to respond to a wide range of questions in relation to the proposed projects.
• February 16, 2004 - CEC provides responses to questions posed by the Canadian Nature Federation (CNF) -Manitoba Wildlands in relation to hearing-related procedural issues.
• February 15, 2004 - Manitoba Wildlands, CNF files a list of procedural questions for the CEC to clarify, many outstanding since summer 2003.
• February 13, 2004 - CEC deadline for funded public participants to file witness lists.
• February 12, 2004 - CEC releases a preliminary sequence of proceedings in relation to the hearings.
• February 10, 2004 - CEC deadline for funded public participants to file substantive hearing documentation.
• January 30, 2004 - CEC releases public notice of Wuskwatim hearings. The notice provides dates, times and locations of hearings in Winnipeg, The Pas and Thompson as well as general procedural information for public participation.
• January 27, 2004 - CEC dismisses all motions from the January 23, 2004 oral hearing.
• January 26, 2004 - CEC extends filing deadline for participants substantive documentation to February 10, 2004 from January 30, 2004. A revised pre-hearing schedule is released with no change for the start of hearings in March.
• January 23, 2004 - CEC convenes oral hearing on further disclosure issues. CNF/MW, Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF), and Trapline 18 presented oral arguments, based on their motions.
• January 22, 2004 - Government of Manitoba appoints Terry Sargeant as Chair of the CEC. He joins the Wuskwatim review panel. Gerard Lecuyer remains as Wuskwatim review panel Chairman.
• January 21, 2004 - CEC deadline for written motions for January 23, 2004 oral hearing. CNF/MW, CAC/MSOS, DRSIL, Trapline 18, and the MMF all submit motion briefs.
• January 19, 2004 - CEC rejects PCN's request to re-schedule the January 23, 2004 oral hearing for further disclosure.
• January 16, 2004 - Manitoba Hydro/NCN file answers to Round Two EIS interrogatories, distribution continues through the next week.
• January 15, 2004 - PCN requests that the scheduled January 23, 2004 oral hearing be re-scheduled to a later date in order to allow adequate time to prepare (i.e. more than 2 business days). DRSIL, Boreal Forest Network (BFN), RCM, and Manitoba Wildlands, CNF announce their support of PCN request.
• January 14, 2004 - CEC announces an oral hearing on January 23, 2004 to hear argument for further disclosure.
• January 12, 2004 - Larry Strachan (Chair of PAT) files additional PAT answers to certain interrogatories (original deadline was December 18, 2003).
• January 9, 2004 - Manitoba Hydro/NCN file a limited number of answers to Round Two JNFAAT interrogatories and announce that they will not be answering all the submitted questions.
• January 8, 2004 - CEC rejects the Association of Displaced Residents of South Indian Lake's (DRSIL) request to have Manitoba Hydro/NCN answer its Round Two interrogatories (filed after the deadline).
• January 8, 2004 - Larry Strachan (Chair of PAT) files PAT answers to certain interrogatories (original deadline was December 18, 2003).
• January 6, 2004 - Manitoba Hydro/NCN announce that they will be late in filing their answers to Round Two interrogatories, which result from requests for further disclosure.
• January 5, 2004 - CEC submits letter to Larry Strachan (Chair of PAT) indicating its disappointment with the PAT's decision to not answer the majority of interrogatories.

• December 18, 2003 - Public participants file their requests for further disclosure, in respect to Hydro answers to round one interrogatories.
• December 17, 2003 - Larry Strachan, Chair of the PAT informs CEC that the PAT will only answer round two interrogatories pertaining to process issues.
• December 12, 2003 - CEC files requests for further disclosure, in respect to Hydro answers to round one interrogatories.
• December 11, 2003 - CEC extends deadline for filing requests for further disclosure to December 18, 2003.
• December 4, 2003 - Provincial government announces Gerard Lecuyer will act as Chairman of the Wuskwatim hearing panel.
• December 3, 2003 - CEC announces Terry Duguid has resigned as Chairman of the CEC, as well as the Wuskwatim hearing panel.
• November 28, 2003 - Manitoba Hydro files its responses to interrogatory questions posed by CEC and Participants.
• November 21, 2003 - Commission and participants file interrogatory questions to the Project Administration Team (PAT), respecting federal and provincial government responsibilities.
• November 4, 2003 - CEC approves Manitoba Hydro's request for a 3-week extension to file answers to initial interrogatories.
• November 4, 2003 - CEC alters Wuskwatim hearing schedule - hearings to start March 1, 2004.
• October 31, 2003 - CEC announces that it recognizes NCN as a proponent of the proposed Wuskwatim Generation Project.
• October 17, 2003 - Deadline for formal written questions submitted to the CEC for Manitoba Hydro to answer.
• October 10, 2003 - Manitoba Hydro submits second EIS & JNFAAT supplementary filings.
• October 10, 2003 - Project Administration Team (PAT) announces it is satisfied with Manitoba Hydro's information contained in EIS, JNFAAT and supplementary filing #1.
• October 8, 2003 - CEC appoints individuals to its Wuskwatim Advisory Team.
• October 6, 2003 - CEC dismisses Pimicikamak motions.
• October 2003 - Manitoba Hydro and NCN enter into Summary of Understandings agreement.
• September 30, 2003 - CEC convenes one-day hearing on Pimicikamak motion.
• September 12, 2003 - Numerous public participants file evidence in relation to Pimicikamak motions.
• August 28, 2003 - CEC releases its pre-hearing schedule.
• August 22, 2003 - CEC announces hearing September 30, 2003 to hear arguments on the Pimicikamak motion (September 12, 2003 deadline for written briefs).
• August 18-21, 2003 - Pimicikamak, Manitoba Hydro and NCN submit arguments regarding Pimicikamak motions.
• August 14, 2003 - Deadline for affidavits and research supporting motion from Pimicikamak.
• August 8, 2003 - Manitoba Hydro submits EIS & JNFAAT supplementary filing.
• August 7, 2003 - CEC rules Manitoba Hydro proposed schedule will not be followed, schedule will be based on needs of all participants.
• August 5, 2003 - Deadline for written comments to CEC from public participants, regarding Wuskwatim schedule.
• July 28, 2003 - Pre hearings conference with participants, proponents, government representatives hosted by Clean Environment Commission.
• July 8, 2003 - Steve Ashton, Minister of Conservation directs Manitoba Hydro to pay the first installment of participant assistance to communities and environmental organizations awarded assistance for Wuskwatim projects review and assessment.
• June 30, 2003 - Deadline for public review comments regarding the EIS for the Wuskwatim generation station and transmission projects, and 'Justification, Need For/Alternatives To' statements provided by Manitoba Hydro.
• June 12, 2003 - Steve Ashton, Minister of Conservation announces $1 million in assistance for the Wuskwatim CEC review and hearings, and appointed two PUB Board members to the CEC Wuskwatim panel.
• May 3, 2003 - Manitoba Conservation places advertisement announcing a May 23, 2003 deadline for proposals to the Participant Assistance Program (PAP) for the 'justification, need for and alternatives to' aspects of the Wuskwatim projects.
• May 3, 2003 - Manitoba Conservation places advertisement announcing a June 30, 2003 deadline for public comments on the EIS for each Wuskwatim project.
• April 30, 2003 - Manitoba Hydro files an EIS for each of the two projects, as well as materials regarding the need for and alternatives to the two projects.
• April 29, 2003 - Winnipeg Free Press reports the PUB will review the final Wuskwatim report of the CEC with respect to the issue of rates. The PUB may hold hearings if it deems report inadequate.
• April 3, 2003 - Winnipeg Free Press article quotes Energy, Science and Technology (EST) Minister Tim Sale saying the government may not hold PUB hearings on the proposed Wuskwatim projects.
• April 3, 2003 - Winnipeg Free Press reports the Manitoba Government is breaking their January 29, 2002 promise to hold PUB hearing for the Wuskwatim projects. They announce the CEC will undertake all aspects of the review (including the economic justification component).
• March 13, 2003 - Oscar Lathlin, Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs announces $10 million in pre-project training funds (Wuskwatim and Keeyask Hydro projects), as part of a training initiative partnership between Canada, Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro.

• September 25, 2002 - Government extends deadline for submitting Participant Assistance Program (PAP) proposals to November 15, 2002.
• May 2002 - Manitoba Conservation sets deadline for submitting participant assistance proposals for July 1, 2002.
• April 2002 - Federal/Provincial Project Administration Team (PAT) releases Final EIS Guidelines for each project. Final EIS guidelines state the CEC will convene public hearings to assess the environmental impacts and the Public Utilities Board (PUB) will assess the need for, alternatives to, and economic justification for the projects.
• April 2002 - the CEC releases its report and recommends a number of changes to the draft EIS guidelines.
• February 2002 - The CEC holds four public meetings (Thompson, Winnipeg, Nelson House, The Pas) regarding the draft EIS guidelines. During the CEC meetings, Manitoba Conservation announces that public comments deadline for draft EIS guidelines is extended to March 18, 2002.
• January 29, 2002 - Greg Selinger, Minister of Finance announces all new Manitoba Hydro projects will undergo a Public Utilities Board (PUB) review.
• January 22, 2002 - Oscar Lathlin, Minister of Conservation announces the Clean Environment Commission (CEC) will convene public meetings on draft EIS guidelines.

• December 2001 - Manitoba Conservation releases draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) guidelines (based on the Manitoba Hydro scoping documents) and announces February 2002 deadline for public comments.
• December 2001 - Manitoba Hydro files environmental proposals under the Manitoba Environment Act.
• September 29, 2001 - Scoping documents for both projects provided by Manitoba Hydro / NCN to Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), Manitoba Conservation.
• May 2001 - Agreement in Principle (AIP) signed between Manitoba Hydro and Nisichawayasikh Cree Nation (NCN).