Métis leader threatens more legal action over Bipole III

The Manitoba Métis Federation is using its recent Supreme Court victory to bolster its opposition to a proposed Manitoba Hydro project.

The federation’s president, David Chartrand, said he wants a commission to stop Manitoba Hydro’s planned power transmission line, Bipole III, from being constructed.

Chartrand was scheduled to testify Monday before the Clean Environment Commission that is currently reviewing the route chosen for the project.

The MMF, which has hunting rights in areas where the high-voltage transmission could end up, says the route will negatively impact Métis harvesting.

The group says they have not been properly consulted on the route, and the environmental assessment hasn’t taken into account Métis rights.

Chartrand said the MMF’s recent Supreme Court land rights victory over the federal government pointed to the importance of the government and crown corporations respecting Métis rights.

In a release, he said, "It’s now time for the Crown to act honourably when it comes to Bipole III."

The MMF said the environmental costs of the route are unacceptable to the Métis.

Chartrand said the MMF would pursue legal action to stop Bipole III if the route is not changed.