The Ontario Power Authority and the Ontario Government view First Nations and Métis perspectives as an important dimension in developing and implementing an electricity plan for the province as it moves to a cleaner, greener system.

The OPA facilitated a dialogue with First Nation and Métis communities to discuss:

• How perceived barriers to First Nations and Métis participation in the electricity sector can be addressed and overcome; 
• How aboriginal communities would like to be involved going forward in long-term power system planning; 
• How the plan will affect First Nations and Métis areas of the province; 
• Aboriginal partnerships in matters of generation and transmission in Ontario; and 
• Any other issues raised by First Nations and Métis communities relating to the electricity sector. In cases where the OPA is not able to address the issue raised, it will report back to the particular community as well as the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.

As with the consultations conducted by the OPA on the Integrated Power System Plan in early 2007, a record of First Nations and Métis concerns heard during the December 2008 and 2009 consultations was filed with the Ontario Energy Board as part of an open and transparent process.

If you have questions or comments about the information related to the Ontario Power Authority’s First Nation and Métis Department website, please send us an email at: feedback.fnm@powerauthority.on.ca.