PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release
Gespe’gewa’gi, August 27, 2025 – Today marks an important step for the Mi’gmaq of Gespe’gewa’gi. In partnership with Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est and Hydro-Québec, the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation has committed to exploring the wind power potential of Gespe’gewa’gi. This initiative reflects the Mi’gmaq vision of exercising their rights and responsibilities on their territory to create a greener, more prosperous future. This is unceded Mi’gmaq territory, which includes the communities of Gespeg, Gesgapegiag, and Listuguj, and has the potential to accommodate up to 6,000 MW of clean energy in the coming years. This agreement marks a new era for energy development in Gespe'gewa'gi.
The proposed projects could represent investments of up to $18 billion. This doesn’t include investments to extend the transmission system in this region, which could run to several billion more. These investments will generate major economic and social benefits for the region, particularly in terms of job creation, workforce training and diversification of community and municipal revenues.
MMBC, l’Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est and Hydro-Québec, in collaboration with the communities of Gespeg, Gesgapegiag and Listuguj, are launching a structured, joint process to assess social and environmental acceptability and to integrate First Nations knowledge and priorities into wind power development in the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie regions. The partners are aware of the cumulative effects this process could have, and they will conduct consultations with First Nations and stakeholders to ensure harmonious and responsible project integration.
This partnership is part of the strategy set out by the government and Hydro-Québec to develop over 10,000 MW of new wind power capacity by 2035, in collaboration with First Nations and municipalities.
The Québec government and Hydro-Québec want to double the generation of renewable electricity in Québec by 2050 to meet additional needs and the demand from businesses looking to decarbonize. In the context of the energy transition, Québec has a golden opportunity to develop its economy and position itself as a North American powerhouse in renewable energy.
Quotes
“The Mi’gmaq have inherent rights and responsibilities for the stewardship of the land, waters, and living things of Gespe’gewa’gi. Our Peace and Friendship Treaties confirm our rights and responsibilities, and this agreement will empower us to fulfill them.”
“This partnership can be seen as a step towards Truth and Reconciliation through economic development ventures. By having representation at the table shows collaboration and mutual respect to all those involved in Gespe’gewa’gi.”
"This agreement marks a pivotal step for our community and for the recognition of our rights over Gespe’gewa’gi. We approach it with a firm commitment to defending our members' interests while focusing on constructive collaboration with our partners in the spirit of reconciliation. We made it a point to be present in the discussions and will continue to participate to ensure that economic development takes place with respect for our territory and for the benefit of all."
“Eastern Québec will play a leading role in the province’s energy development. Together with Hydro-Québec, First Nations, and municipalities, we will create thousands of jobs and generate significant economic benefits for our regions. All of this is part of the very ambitious plan to double electricity production in Québec by 2050. This is how we will build a more prosperous Québec.”
“This agreement reflects our shared vision of a sustainable energy future for Gespe’gewa’gi. The Mi’gmaq communities of Gesgapegiag, Gespeg and Listuguj, united under the Mi'gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation, are proud to partner with the Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est and Hydro-Québec to advance the development of wind power on our territory. This partnership guarantees that these projects will not only contribute to the energy transition, but they will also generate concrete and lasting benefits for our people, our territory and future generations, while reinforcing our role as stewards of the earth.”
“Our government is committed to turning the challenges of the energy transition into opportunities for economic development in our regions. What we’re announcing today will result in the creation of well-paying jobs in Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Bas-Saint-Laurent, while also generating energy for businesses in the area.”
“Projects such as the one announced today are the result of a relationship based on respect and collaboration, one that we can all be proud of. First Nations and Inuit peoples, who are the first to witness climate change, are essential partners in the energy transition. They want to be part of the solution. Collaborating on this project generates significant economic benefits for our regions and Indigenous communities, and helps build a greener Quebec for all Quebecers.”
“The creation of a partnership that includes the Mi'gmaq First Nation of Gespe'gewa'gi, the Eastern Energy Alliance, and Hydro-Québec is a major step forward that will enable exploration and potentially sustainable wind energy developments that contribute to the necessary energy transition. Participation in energy development projects by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities is the most effective way to be actively involved in the extensive process of information sharing, consultation, and social acceptability that concerns land development for communities. All of this, in addition to allowing us to obtain significant economic benefits for both the First Nations and the MRCs involved, which will be used for the benefit of the populations according to the priorities of these entities.”
“This structuring partnership represents a major step forward for sustainable and coordinated wind power development. Potential developments will strengthen the economic vitality of eastern Quebec and help meet our customers' growing demand for electricity. Alongside the Mi’gmaq communities of Gespe’gewa’gi and the EasternEnergy Alliance, Hydro-Québec reaffirms its commitment to establishing promising partnerships to promote the development of future wind farms for the benefit of First Nations and communities.”
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Sources :
Attaché de presse
Cabinet du premier ministre
514 585-4451
Relations avec les médias
relationsmedias@hydroquebec.com
514 289-5005
Kammy Vicaire
581 884-6553
Lou Landry
581 886-3424
Enhancing economic opportunities and community well-being for the Mi'gmaq of Gespe'gewa'gi.
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