For immediate release

Power of Water Canada a Resounding Success

Keynotes focus on the importance of waterpower, First Nations relationships

(October 24, 2014 – Niagara) The Ontario Waterpower Association’s (OWA) 14th annual Power of Water Canada conference and tradeshow, held this week in Niagara-on-the-Lake, was once again the largest gathering of the hydroelectric sector in Canada. With almost four hundred (400) participants and more than fifty (50) exhibitors, the event continues to grow. This year’s keynote speakers, the Honourable Bill Mauro, Minster of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and the Honourable Frank Iacobucci, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada both spoke of the importance of the industry to social, economic and environmental prosperity.

The Honourable Bill Mauro - Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry: “Clean, reliable and sustainable energy is critical to jobs and growth in every part of the province,” said Minister Mauro. “As waterpower producers, you know how closely our prosperity is tied to our energy supply. That tie holds nationally, regionally and locally, and the research bears this out.”

“My Ministry is working jointly with First Nation communities that have initiated community based land use planning under the Far North Act. This work will clarify where development can occur and where land is designated for protection. And this work will provide the certainty industry needs. In the four community-based land use plans prepared so far, waterpower and electrical transmission have been important considerations,” added Minister Mauro.

“I am extremely pleased with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s recognition and support of waterpower,” said Paul Norris, President of the OWA. “Waterpower was Ontario’s original energy source and we are confident that it will continue to be the backbone for the future of energy in Ontario.”

The Honourable Frank Iacobucci, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, was the event’s keynote dinner speaker. His Honour was recently appointed as lead negotiator on behalf of Ontario in discussions with Chiefs of the Matawa Tribal Council on resource developments in the Ring of Fire. His address, titled, “Canada and Aboriginal People – Towards a New Relationship”, spoke to the importance of respect and trust in fostering relationships with First Nation people.

The Honourable Frank Iacobucci, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada: His Honour emphasized the regrettable history of Canada’s treatment of Aboriginal people, but importantly the new existing opportunities for economic independence for Aboriginal communities in relation to renewable energy and infrastructure development. He also mentioned that creating an improved relationship with its Aboriginal people is our country’s most important societal issue. The Far North of Ontario, Transmission lines, Ring of Fire and First Nation economic opportunities was also addressed by Minister Mauro.

“There isn’t anyone who heard his Honour’s address that didn’t leave the room inspired,” added Norris. “The success stories we are now seeing in our sector with respect to First Nation partnerships are paving the path for the future.”

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The OWA was founded in 2001 to represent the common and collective interests of the province's original green energy sector – waterpower. The Association recently published “Footprints to Follow”, a catalogue featuring Aboriginal partnerships in waterpower projects. More than 160 members are committed to advancing resource management and sustainable development.

www.owa.ca

For more information, please contact,

Stephanie Landers
Ontario Waterpower Association
Communications and Public Outreach Coordinator
866-743-1500 ex. 25
slanders@owa.ca