Members of the Innu First Nation of Pessamit, northeast of Quebec City, have voted against a deal that called for more than $2.5 billion dollars in compensation over the next 50 years, in exchange for an end to any legal challenges to hydro development.
The Pessamit Innu band council had put the agreement — which it had negotiated with Hydro-Québec and the provincial government — to a referendum vote in its community.
Sunday’s vote had a turnout of about 37 per cent. Of the roughly 3,500 members who were eligible to vote, 1,287 cast their ballots.
A total of 63% voted against it. Alexis Wawanoloath, the referendum chairman, announced Sunday evening that 809 members voted “no,” and 471 voted “yes.” Seven votes were rejected.
Hydro-Québec had hoped this agreement would pave the way for the construction of a hydroelectric dam, the erection of wind turbines and the establishment of electricity transmission lines on the community’s ancestral territory.
Quebec Innu community given just a week’s notice to vote on multibillion-dollar hydro deal
Members had expressed discontent over having fewer than ten days to debate and participate in information sessions on the subject before Sunday’s vote.
Premier Christine Fréchette wrote on X Monday morning that her government acknowledges the decision of the Pessamit community and respects it.
“This result shows that there is still work to be done. The Government of Quebec remains convinced that it is possible to conclude a beneficial agreement, both for the Pessamit community and for all Quebecers,” she said.
“We will be able to resume discussions later in a spirit of collaboration and respect in order to build, together, a winning agreement for all.”
Quebec’s Indigenous Affairs Minister Ian Lafrenière also reacted in a statement late Sunday evening, saying he accepts the decision and will meet with community leaders today.
Hydro-Québec shared a statement, as well, saying it respects “the democratic decision of the Pessamit community,” adding that it remains open to dialogue and will continue its discussion with community representatives.
