Power line program produces first grads: $1.6-billion remote community power project could create close to 800 jobs.

• Author: Strong, Graham
• Position: INDIGENOUS BUSINESS

A training program launched in Thunder Bay through a unique partnership aims to train line crew in preparation for the $1.6-billion construction of the Wataynikaneyap (Watay) Power Transmission Line, which will connect 17 First Nations to the hydro grid from Pickle Lake and Red Lake in northwestern Ontario.

The project provides an opportunity for Indigenous workers to benefit during the construction as well.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler described how this project is different from one in Poplar Hill First Nation three years ago during the construction of its school.

"I remember walking along the road there and looking at the youth in that community. They were just watching the construction company that flies in from Winnipeg or Thunder Bay or wherever, and they set up camp and they build health centres and schools, and our people don't benefit at all," Fiddler said.

"That's something that we want to address moving forward. There is the potential to create over 700 jobs, and we want our members to maximize that opportunity. This initiative will allow them to do that," he said.

The training program partners several companies and organizations including Wataynikaneyap Power, Opiikapawiin Services, Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA), PowerTel, Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Wenjack Education Institution, and Gridlink, the utility infrastructure contractor in Thunder Bay that is hosting the training.

Wataynikaneyap Power was formed by 22 First Nations and own 51 per cent of the company. Their operating partner, Fortis Ontario, a subsidiary of Fortis Inc. owns 49 per cent.

The Line Crew Ground Support Training Course is a 15-week certificate program, which combines classroom and practical training including several safety courses, ladder and safe pole handling, the fundamentals of working at heights, mobile crane operator training, and pole line construction.

Gridlink, a Thunder Bay utility contractor, hosted an event on May 17 for media and others to showcase the training program nearing the end of the first intake of students.

"The first class started on April 9, 2018, where 12 students were enrolled," said Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power. "Ten will be receiving certification during their last shift the week of May 25."

She said that this is the first of four planned intakes. The next will take place in August, and two others will run next year.

Kenequanash said that the power project itself is important...