by Alison White, Communications Officer, Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation

On January 20, 2016, Brendan Mitchell, Chief of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation met with Rick Janega, President and CEO of Emera Newfoundland & Labrador. This was the first formal meeting between newly elected Chief Mitchell and Mr. Janega and allowed both leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the Socio-Economic Agreement (SEA) that was signed by both organizations in 2014. During very positive and productive discussions, the many successes and milestones achieved through the SEA over the past year were highlighted.

The SEA is tied to the Maritime Link Project, at a cost of $1.57 Billion it will deliver clean, renewable energy from Newfoundland and Labrador to Nova Scotia. Signed in September of 2014, the agreement provides for consideration and respect of Qalipu traditional land uses, as well as outlines direct benefits for Qalipu and member owned businesses, and employment opportunities for members of the Band.

“Qalipu has benefited from a valuable contract awarded to Marine Qalipu Limited Partnership, a joint venture established to respond to sub-contracting opportunities,” said Chief Brendan Mitchell, “The contract we were awarded is nearly complete. It included site preparation at Bottom Brook, Granite Canal and Cape Ray. It was a revenue generator for the Band, and a significant benefit to members who were employed to see the work through.”
Aboriginal businesses in the province have also benefited from the SEA. A recent survey of t ...