Cracks form in Keeyask dam partnership as Hydro exec remains on board following review

An investigation into the behaviour of an executive at Manitoba Hydro has found no wrongdoing but prompted a backlash from one of its partners on the Keeyask dam project.

Hydro vice-president Lorne Midford resigned as chair of the Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership in September after complaints were made by a northern Manitoba First Nation. He hasn't resumed that position, but will remain on the board following Hydro's investigation.

In September, York Factory First Nation Chief Leroy Constant publicly called for Midford's removal and a provincial inquiry into accusations of racism, discrimination and violence by Manitoba Hydro workers.

Development of the Keeyask dam is being done through a partnership of Manitoba Hydro and four Manitoba First Nations — Tataskweyak Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation, York Factory First Nation and Fox Lake Cree Nation.

Midford's continuing role on the board has drawn immediate criticism.

"[We are] obviously disappointed that they reinstated him. Our stance is, on behalf of York Factory, we don't want him on the board at all," said Constant.

The complaint from September centres on a phone call board member Louisa Constant (who is not related to Chief Constant), who represents York Factory, said she received from Midford early in September.

Constant said an angry Midford questioned York Factory's commitment to working with the board and she called his behaviour "harassment and inappropriate."

Manitoba Hydro confirmed Midford stepped down as chair while the investigation was done, but will now remain on the board after what Hydro spokesperson Bruce Owen wrote was an effort to "ensure an open and objective review of the allegations."

"The partner First Nations were asked to nominate a board representative to assume the position of chair. No nomination has been received to this point," Owen wrote.

Chief Constant told CBC News that allowing Midford to remain on the board of the partnership created a "toxic environment" for York Factory's representative, breached the board's code of conduct and was disrespectful toward Louisa Constant as a woman.

"I'm not going to put her in the situation where she has to be in the same room as Mr. Midford," Constant said.

The impasse comes in the aftermath of a Clean Environment Commission report released in August by the Progressive Conservative government.

The CEC's report examined the impact of hydro development on surrounding northern Manitoba communities.

• Allegations of sexual abuse, racism revealed in report on hydro projects' impact in northern Manitoba
• Commission heard sexual-assault allegations about Hydro workers in 2012: former chair

Garrison Settee, the grand chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, which lobbies for 30 northern Manitoba First Nations communities, said he supports York Factory's call for Midford's removal from the board, and the MKO questions the legitimacy and integrity of the investigation done by Hydro into the allegations.

"It kind of sends a message that this First Nations woman is basically made to look like somebody is untruthful and somebody that does not have a voice," Settee said.

• MKO blasts province, Manitoba Hydro for 'horrific, systemic abuse' of Indigenous women and girls

Martina Saunders, a former vice-president of the organization, also made a complaint about the board this fall.

She said Hydro executives bully Indigenous women on the various boards of committees related to northern development projects, but the women are afraid to speak up.

Saunders has been in contact with Manitoba's Human Rights Commission about a formal complaint.

Chief Constant told CBC News he met with Indigenous Relations Minister Eileen Clarke on Monday this week to remind her First Nations people in the north constantly suffer racism from construction workers and the government must do more to fight the problem.