North Coast MLA Gary Coons stood up in the house on Wednesday to acknowledge the progress that has been made towards a wind farm development in the Hecate Straight.

“I'd like to acknowledge an event so significant that it will blow you away. The NaiKun Wind energy group and the Haida Nation recently announced that they have entered into a memorandum of understanding to establish HaidaLink, a proposal that would connect Haida Gwaii to the mainland energy grid at Prince Rupert. This large-scale offshore wind farm will provide a cost-effective, clean, domestic energy source to serve the growing electricity market in British Columbia.”

Coons pointed out the benefits of the proposal, noting that aside from having the potential to power half a million homes in British Columbia, it could provide clean energy to the island and provide sustainable employment to island residents.

“Arnie Bellis, chairperson of the Haida Power Authority and vice-president of the Council of the Haida Nation, recognizes the need for clean energy on Haida Gwaii. Currently the majority of their power comes from burning diesel. He believes that HaidaLink will be a win-win for everybody.”

“The island can eliminate most of its diesel generation by connecting to the B.C. Hydro grid, and the project can provide the Haida Nation with a sustainable economic opportunity.”

The North Coast MLA was careful to recognize that further development of the project was contingent on a favourable environmental review by the three levels of government, however.

“As the region is particularly rich in crab and migratory seabirds, a full and thorough environmental assessment review is required by each of the three governments — the Haida Nation, the province and the federal government.”

Coons finished his remarks by reiterating the importance of sustainable, publicly owned power resources in British Columbia.

“This is a great opportunity for B.C. and the Haida Nation. As the world recognizes our true potential, we must ensure our green energy policy enshrines public ownership of all our valuable renewable resources.”