Mi’gmaq Chiefs call for rigorous, Mi’gmaq‐led review of proposed Centre Village gas project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 18, 2025

Mi’gmaq Chiefs call for rigorous, Mi’gmaq‐led review of proposed Centre Village gas project

FREDERICTON – The Chiefs of Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. (MTI) are releasing the following statement regarding the proposed Centre Village Renewables Integration and Grid Security Project.

The project, proposed by NB Power and Pro Energy, would include the development of a 500 mega-watt natural gas-fired facility near Centre Village, New Brunswick along the Chignecto Isthmus, an area of high cultural, ecological and strategic importance that connects New Brunswick with Nova Scotia. The project also includes infrastructure to connect renewable energy sources and strengthen the province’s electricity grid. It is in the early stages of the Federal Impact Assessment Process with consultation initiated by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada in July 2025.

The Mi’gmaq Chiefs have not made any decision regarding investing in this project. MTI received formal notice of the project from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) on July 14, 2025, and has already raised concerns with the Agency on behalf of our member communities. This project will undergo a rigorous Mi’gmaq Rights Impact Assessment (MRIA) led by MTI. Consent for this or any project in Mi’gmaq territory can only be granted if Mi’gmaq concerns are meaningfully addressed and impacts on rights are avoided, minimized, and accommodated.

We acknowledge New Brunswick’s growing energy needs and the importance of integrating renewables. However, based on the information filed to date, there are critical issues that must be addressed before this project can advance.

The proposed development is located in an area of cultural significance to the Mi’gmaq, where activities and land use extend well beyond community boundaries. There are potential implications for Mi’gmaq harvesting, access to ancestral areas, and the health of local ecosystems. Concerns have also been raised about possible impacts to water quality, wetlands, and species that hold both ecological and cultural importance. These matters require careful study, meaningful engagement, and clear commitments from the proponent to ensure Mi’gmaq rights and interests are protected.

MTI will advance a thorough, Mi’gmaq‐led review under the MRIA process. We will require the proponent to address deficiencies, to complete all the necessary studies, and work with MTI to avoid, mitigate, and accommodate impacts to Mi’gmaq rights, culture, and the environment. We will continue to keep our communities informed as this review progresses.

About MTI

Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. (MTI) is a not‐for‐profit organization created by the Mi’gmaq First Nations in New Brunswick. Our objectives include supporting the recognition, affirmation, exercise and implementation of Aboriginal and Treaty rights; the right of self‐determination; and the political, cultural, economic, educational and social development of our member communities.

For media inquiries:

Raven Boyer, MTI

ravenboyer@migmawel.org

902-664-4244