A peaceful protest saw about 30 members of Pimicikamak first nation protest against the Jenpeg hydro generation station on Thursday, October 23rd 2014. The residents evicted the hydro employees from Jenpeg protesting that the Manitoba Government had failed to honour the Northern Flood Agreement signed in the 1970s. Mervin Garrick, a Pimicikamak council member said the protest was being taken to restore a fair relationship with his people because the government had failed to fulfil its promises, environmental clean-up, maximize employment for his people and eradicate mass poverty and unemployment.
Noting that 287 residents lacked power because Manitoba Hydro had cut them off when they could not to pay power bills, which is about $600 per month and among the highest in the province. This is more than frustrating to the Pimicikamak people.
Manitoba has been one of the peaceful provinces in Canada and has been economically active from time immemorial, however, their rights as a community has been violated when part of the land is used without their approval. Without the responsibility they took to preserve the natural resources the returns realized today could be dismal. They feel betrayed by the people they once agreed and signed treaties with. I must say the growth of a province and a nation at large can only be efficient if peace is embraced as well as respect. Therefore the Manitoba government should keep its part of bargain it signed years back. Construction of Jenpeg station will benefit its people if there is a mutual agreement between the two parties.
Reference
<<http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/first-nation-brings-hydro-protest-to-hq-280281572.html>> by Trevor Hagan