This past January, an energy shortage resulted in a days-long disruption of power supply from Quebec to New England, when unusually cold weather resulted in a massive increase in energy demand.
The disruption occurred shortly after the opening of a new power line bringing Canadian hydropower to Massachusetts and is arguably an indication that Hydro-Québec has oversold its energy generation capacity.
Hydro-Québec recognizes that its current generating capacity is insufficient to meet US demand. To this end, its 2035 Action Plan states that it will increase power generation by up to 9,000 megawatts between now and 2035, with expansions into wind and solar power generation as well as an increase in hydropower capacity.
This spring, Hydro-Québec will be calling for contractor bids for the construction of new turbines. Implementation of the Action Plan will involve the construction of numerous facilities, including wind and solar farms, battery stations and hydroelectric dams, as well as upgrades to existing facilities. In most cases, Hydro-Québec will be building on Cree territory.
Hydro-Québec’s Action Plan 2035 states that it is committed to “increase the representation of the Indigenous peoples in Hydro-Québec’s activities,” and “work towards economic reconciliation with first Nations and Inuit” throughout their coming expansions. It says this will involve collaborating more actively with Indigenous communities and businesses at all stages of project development.
In a 2023 press release responding to the Action Plan, the Cree Nation Government stated that it would support development initiatives which upgrade existing facilities, but that “the development of new dams would not be a viable option for the people of Eeyou Istchee.”
Under the 1975 James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, Hydro-Québec must respect this condition, as it cannot infringe on Eeyouch Crees’ inherent and treaty rights to pursue traditional activities within Eeyou Istchee.
In 2026, Hydro-Québec’s promise of active collaboration is being put to the test. Hydro-Québec needs to replace three generating units at the La Grande hydroelectric complex, which is an opportunity to expand the units’ generation capacity. The complex is located in Eeyou Istchee Baie‑James, an area governed by the JBNQA.
The stations to be upgraded are on Chisasibi territory, and proximal to Wemindji and Mistissini territory as well – all three Nations are concerned about the impact of potential capacity increases.
Hydro-Québec says it is working closely with the impacted Cree communities. In collaboration with the CNG, the corporation established the Ayimihiituunaanuwich Joint Process to assess the technical, environmental, social and cultural impacts of the proposed upgrades at La Grande.
So far, the Joint Process has involved the Crees’ creation of a main table which serves as a forum for discussion and oversight of Hydro-Québec of the proposed project, and a technical table which supervises the environmental assessments of the project site.
The Grand Council of the Crees stated at their January Board Council meeting that the Ayimihiituunaanuwich Joint Process will function to “ensure reliable [hydropower] generation while respecting environmental and Eeyou knowledge and advice.”
The Ayimihiituunaanuwich Joint Process suggests that Hydro-Québec wants to move beyond lip service to meaningful Indigenous participation.