en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Ontario government has announced support for Indigenous communities to increase their ownership stake in the East-West Tie transmission line. Bamkushwada LP (BLP), representing six First Nations along the shores of Lake Superior, has increased its equity in the line from 3.5% to 20% with provincial backing.

Through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program (IOFP), Ontario provided a guarantee of up to CAD 75 million to support the expanded ownership stake. The guarantee is backed by a loan from Canada Life. Managed by the Building Ontario Fund, the IOFP aims to advance economic reconciliation and prosperity by supporting Indigenous partners in financial investments in Ontario's infrastructure projects.

The East-West Tie transmission line, spanning 450 kilometers at 230 kV, was commissioned in March 2022, connecting Wawa to the Township of Shuniah near Thunder Bay.

Chief Duncan Michano of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, who also serves as President of BLP, stated in a release that increasing the six First Nations' ownership in the project was long overdue, serving as a powerful example of what can be achieved through collective effort within their traditional territories. He noted that with support from the IOFP and the Building Ontario Fund, Indigenous communities are not just partners in infrastructure but leaders in building a reliable, sustainable system to meet Ontario's growing energy needs.

The remaining 80% ownership of the East-West Tie transmission line is split equally between an affiliate of NextEra Energy Transmission (40%) and Hydro One (40%). The release added that the line achieved 60% Indigenous workforce participation during construction and provided training opportunities for over 200 Indigenous workers.

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