Government ministers want first nations on the grid.

• Position: NEWS

A Thunder Bay-based First Nation energy company applauded a commitment by provincial and territorial ministers to directly connect remote Aboriginal communities to the electricity transmission grid.

"Our First Nations have demonstrated a path forward to end reliance on diesel generation," said Margaret Kenequanash, chair of Wataynikaneyap (Watay) Power, in a July 21 statement. "Connecting the remote First Nations communities in northwestern Ontario will not only benefit the environment, but will save more than $1 billion in avoided energy costs." Watay is a partnership of 20 communities looking to eliminate diesel power generation and expand the electrical grid system in northwestern Ontario.

Provincial and territorial energy and mines ministers huddled in Halifax in July to decide that the reduction or elimination of diesel fuel would "reduce harmful emissions, strengthen local economies, and create well-paying jobs."

As a result, a national task force is being established to find ways to phase out diesel on remote reserves. Manitoba will chair the group with representation from each province and territory. They will prepare a report with recommendations on next steps.

In Canada, there are about 175 Aboriginal off-grid communities of 130,000 people in total.

"Establishing this task force will allow...