Environmental Assessment Decision Statement

Keeyask Generation Project, Manitoba

June 27, 2014 – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, has reviewed the federal environmental assessment of the Keeyask Generation Project (the Project) proposed by a joint venture between four local Cree Nations (Tataskweyak Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation, Fox Lake Cree Nation, and York Factory First Nation) and Manitoba Hydro (the proponent). Pursuant to section 125 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, the environmental assessment of this Project was completed under the former Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, S.C. 1992, c. 37 (the former Act).

Having taken into consideration the Comprehensive Study Report and the public comments filed pursuant to subsection 22(2) of the former Act, the Minister is of the opinion that:

• the Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, taking into account the implementation of the mitigation measures described in the Comprehensive Study Report; and
• the mitigation measures and follow-up program described in the Comprehensive Study Report are appropriate for the Project.

The Minister has referred the Project back to the responsible authorities, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada¹, for appropriate action under section 37 of the former Act.

The Minister requests that the responsible authorities ensure the implementation of the mitigation measures described in the Comprehensive Study Report. The Minister also requests that the responsible authorities ensure the implementation of the follow-up program described in the Comprehensive Study Report, in order to determine the effectiveness of the measures taken to mitigate any adverse environmental effects and to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment of the Project.

^[1] On June 20, 2014, the proponent wrote to Transport Canada to withdraw its Navigation Protection Act applications related to the Project. If no permit is required pursuant to this Act, Transport Canada may not be a responsible authority for this project.