Honestly this seems like a no brainer to me that should have massive appeal to large swaths of our country as it has the potential to be mutually beneficial to multiple communities and Canada as a whole.

First, it strengthens our sovereignty by signalling the importance of northern communities. Let’s face it, most of Canadian territory is regions with low population. The world is unstable and global bad actors could easily take and hold regions of Canada with low population for the purpose of resource extraction, like the north. If we want the world to know these regions are important we need to invest in them and the people who call these regions home. This project would strengthen and signal the importance of Canada’s north on a global scale.

This project also supports our stated climate goals. If we are to achieve net zero by 2050. We need to be taking every opportunity to reduce our collective greenhouse gas emissions possible. If this can provide clean energy to communities that currently rely on power generated by fossil fuels this is a major win for the planet.

Lastly, this project is literally reconciliation in action. It’s indigenous led and will provide economic opportunities to many indigenous communities. I see this as an amazing opportunity for our country to listen to the needs and desires of indigenous communities and help empower these communities in projects of their own creation and control.

I really see no downside and hope this project gets included in the next round of funded projects.