Tla’amin welcomes Cabinet decision requiring deeper regulatory review
March 4, 2026
Tla’amin Nation welcomes the decision by the Governor in Council to require a full licensing process for Brookfield’s proposed electricity export rather than proceeding through a permit. We thank the Government of Canada for recognizing that a decision of this scale deserves careful review.
Hegus John Hackett says:
“I want to acknowledge the more than 2,600 residents from across qathet who took the time to write letters and speak up. Your voices helped ensure this issue received the attention it deserves.
Our community has spoken and we are strengthened by the cooperation between Tla’amin Nation, the City of Powell River, and the qathet Regional District. Working together, we have shown that our community cares deeply about decisions affecting our region.
The rivers and waters that power these facilities flow through Tla’amin territory and have sustained our people since time immemorial. They are not simply sources of electricity. They are part of a living system that supports salmon, wildlife, and the health of our communities.
The unprecedented and historic water rights that allow these projects to operate were granted with a clear understanding that the energy produced would support the local mill and the regional economy. That history matters as we consider proposals that would send this power out of the country when we are trying to rebuild our economy here at tiskwat.
As the Canada Energy Regulator begins the licensing process, we invite them to Tla’amin territory. Holding the hearings here will mean that people who live with the impacts of these decisions can participate directly.”