Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) have formed a partnership to co-invest in renewable-energy infrastructure projects in Central Canada.
The partnership between the Canadian investor and the First Nations governing body for the Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke has been created to improve access to funding for the MCK and other Indigenous communities in Quebec that want to be involved in project development.
Cody Diabo, grand chief of the MCK, said: “For over a century, major energy infrastructure projects have impacted Indigenous peoples’ rights and lands. We believe the time is right for our communities to participate in the energy transition by owning and benefiting from energy infrastructure on our ancestral lands.
“We have developed this partnership to provide the economic opportunity for First Nations and Inuit communities to maximise their stake in large-scale energy infrastructure on their lands, and benefit from the revenues generated.”
Emmanuel Jaclot, EVP and head of infrastructure at CDPQ, said: “In Québec, numerous renewable-energy projects will cross traditional Indigenous territories, which presents an opportunity to foster the financial participation of the communities involved and ensure that the partners’ priorities are well aligned.
“We are delighted to be working with the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke in this partnership to fund renewable-energy infrastructure projects, which reflects our commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive development initiatives while contributing to Québec’s energy transition.”
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