C Hydro’s Site C hardly a done deal as Ottawa reviews First Nations issues

With work already under way on the banks where the dam is to be built, it might seem as if Site C is a done deal.

Premier Christy Clark certainly hopes so. She views the start of the $9-billion project as one of her two greatest accomplishments (the other being an agreement in principle with Petronas for proposed development of an $11-billion LNG plant).

But despite all the activity by contractors building access roads and clearing land for work camps, tunnels and dam foundations, BC Hydro’s Site C project could yet be brought to a halt.

NDP Leader John Horgan recently signalled that if his party wins the provincial election in 2017, it might abandon the controversial project. But the courts – or the federal government – could stall it before then.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has not, like Mr. Horgan, taken a stand against Site C. But he has promised to pursue a new relationship with First Nations.

In mandate letters to his new cabinet ministers, Mr. Trudeau stressed the importance of consultation and engagement with aboriginal communities.

“No relationship is more important to me and to Canada than the one with Indigenous Peoples. It is time for a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous Peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership,” he wrote.