OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 3, 2025/ CNW/ – Native and remote neighborhoods throughout Canada are acting to buy renewable resource jobs, decrease dependence on nonrenewable fuel sources and advance energy sovereignty.
Today, Brendan Hanley, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, revealed almost $ 17 million in federal financing to support the 7.5-megawatt (MW) Innavik Remote Hydro Job, situated in Inukjuak, and to check out the advancement of a 17-MW hydroelectric power plant at the website of the Matawin dam near St-Michel-des Saints, both in Quebec
The Innavik Remote Hydro Job is a run-of-river hydropower center that changes dependence on diesel fuel for practically all Inukjuak’s energy requires. The Inuit-owned task is the biggest off-grid hydropower center in Canada and is anticipated to bring substantial financial advantages to the 1,800 occupants of the neighborhood.
The 17-MW, Indigenous-led Matawak Hydroelectric Power Plant task being checked out at the Matawin dam website at the outlet of the Lac Taureau tank would assist the neighborhood fulfill existing energy requirements and add to the growing need for tidy, renewable resource while producing independent profits for the Atikamekw Country of Manawan and the Innu Country of Lac-Saint-Jean.
Both jobs support the Federal government of Canada’s dedication to reducing Canadians’ energy costs, developing more trusted and tidy power, and promoting inclusive, considerate collaborations with Native Peoples in the shift to a tidy energy economy.
Prices Estimate
” The Federal Government of Canada is devoted to reconciliation and supporting tidy energy jobs in Native, rural and remote neighborhoods. In partnership with federal governments, Native partners and the energy sector, we are purchasing efforts to produce financial development in neighborhoods while dealing with environment modification.”
The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
” I am happy to see the biggest off-grid hydropower task in Canada come to life and the expedition of more community-led efforts in Canada’s Northern areas. These jobs are an effective example of what’s possible when Native management and neighborhood vision come together, not just to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on diesel however likewise to enhance energy self-reliance and produce enduring social and financial advantages for neighborhoods. We are happy to support efforts like this that develop a cleaner, more inclusive energy future for all Canadians.”
Brendan Hanley
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs
” The Innavik Hydro Job is an affirmation of a sustainable future for the Inuit neighborhood of Inukjuak The task recognizes a 20-year vision for Inuit-led and co-owned tidy energy facilities that produces effects for the Inuit recipients of our neighborhood, through proactive and favorable collaboration with Innergex Renewable resource, supported by the Federal governments of Canada and Quebec“
Tommy Palliser
President, Pituvik Landholding Corporation
” When Pituvik Landholding Corporation welcomed us to join them on this journey, we partnered carefully with individuals of Inukjuak to form a job that shows their vision and fulfills their requirements. This task provides pride for everyone at Innergex since it straight enhances every day life in Inukjuak while supporting the neighborhood’s long-lasting energy self-reliance. We are grateful for the partnership and self-confidence of our Inuit partners, and we thank everybody who worked to make the neighborhood’s vision a truth.”
Michel Letellier
President and CEO, Innergex Renewable Resource
” Very first Countries need to be associated with the advancement of the resources on their area. All of us cohabit on this land and operate in collaboration, assisted by consistency and shared regard. The objective of Énergie Matawak is not just to produce energy however likewise to do so properly while securing our environment. Our task is one that brings wish for the future.”
Keith-Michel Flamand
President, Énergie Matawak S.E.C.
” This financial investment in Indigenous-led hydropower jobs exhibits the financial reconciliation our sector is devoted to advancing. Through significant equity collaborations, our sector is promoting task development, regional financial development and shared success in Native neighborhoods. Partnership with Native Peoples is essential to developing the sustainable, trusted and tidy energy facilities Canada requires to accomplish its environment objectives while guaranteeing Native neighborhoods have a real stake in our energy future.”
Lorena Patterson
President and CEO, WaterPower Canada
Quick Realities
- The Innavik Remote Hydro Job got $ 14.9 million in moneying through the Tidy Energy for Rural and Remote Neighborhoods (CERRC) program, and the Matawak Hydroelectric Power Plant task gotten over $ 1.7 million in moneying through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs).
- Released in 2018 and recapitalized in 2021, the $ 453 million CERRC program has actually supported 229 jobs nationally to decrease the dependence on diesel fuel for heat and power in Native and remote neighborhoods, consisting of capability structure efforts, big capital jobs, development jobs and bioheat jobs.
- The $ 4.5-billion Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program is developed to support the implementation of grid modernization, energy storage and non-emitting generation in every area of Canada, assisting to grow the grid in a sustainable, inexpensive and trusted way.
- At 7.5 MW, the Innavik Remote Hydro Job is the biggest commissioned task for the CERRC program to date and is the biggest remote community-scale renewable resource task in Canada It is a 50-50 collaboration in between the Pituvik Landholding Corporation, the advancement corporation for the Native neighborhood of Inukjuak, and Innergex.
- Énergie Matawak intends to establish the hydroelectric capacity of the Lac Taureau tank by developing a mini-hydroelectric plant on the existing facilities of the Matawin dam run by Hydro-Québec. Building and construction is set up to start in 2026.
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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada