Ontario Power Generation

Aboriginal Relations Policy

What follows below is OPG's complete Aboriginal Relations Policy. This policy emphasizes our determination to work with the First Nations of Ontario toward a mutually beneficial future.

OPG is committed to building long term mutually beneficial working relationships with aboriginal communities proximate to its present and future operations.

OPG is committed to developing these relationships on a foundation of respect for the languages, customs, and political, social and cultural institutions of aboriginal communities.

OPG acknowledges the aboriginal and treaty rights of aboriginal communities as recognized and affirmed in the Constitution Act 1982.

OPG is committed to continuing efforts to reach mutually satisfactory resolution of grievances with respect to past hydroelectric development.

Where appropriate, OPG will pursue prospective hydroelectric developments with aboriginal communities that can provide the basis for long term mutually beneficial commercial arrangements.

OPG is committed to operating in a commercial manner, consistent with OPG’s Shareholder Agreement.

OPG’s commitments are made on its own behalf, and not on behalf of the Crown or any other government agency. (Section 53.1(2) of the Electricity Act, 1998).

Responsibility for the implementation of this Policy rests with the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The President and CEO or delegate will report regularly to the Board on activities associated with this Policy.

The President and CEO or delegate shall ensure a clear delegation of accountabilities and authority for the management and oversight of aboriginal relations activities.

The President and CEO or delegate, will chair a First Nations and Métis Relations Steering Committee to facilitate the integration of activities associated with the implementation of this policy.

Managers accountable for the development of operational business plans shall develop these plans with a view to implementing this Policy in the following areas:

• Community relations and outreach;
• Capacity building support within communities; and
• Employment/Business Contracting opportunities.

Aboriginal Peoples of Canada include the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada (Constitution Act 1982, Section 35).

November 2007 OPG's Board of Directors approved a new Aboriginal Relations policy setting out the company's commitment to build and maintain positive relationships with Aboriginal Peoples in Ontario.