Social Acceptability at the Heart of Discussions at the Northern Energy Alliance Forum

Press Release - For immediate release

Social Acceptability at the Heart of Discussions at the Northern Energy Alliance Forum

Caraquet, November 24, 2024 – Nearly a hundred municipal elected officials from the Acadian Peninsula, Chaleur, and Restigouche regions, along with representatives from the Eel River Bar and Pabineau First Nations, gathered this weekend for the first Energy Forum held in Caraquet. Organized by the steering committee of the Northern Energy Alliance, the event allowed participants to learn more about the governance model, process, and next steps for the creation of the Alliance.

All municipalities and communities in the region agreed to continue with the establishment of the Alliance in order to develop an optimal framework for energy project development that is respectful of the territory and communities.

 Four ministers, the Honorable René Legacy, Deputy Premier, Gilles Lepage, Keith Chiasson, and Isabelle Thériault, as well as the federal Member of Parliament for Acadie-Bathurst, Serge Cormier addressed the elected officials, emphasizing the importance of municipalities and First Nations working together to protect the territory, address climate change, and create wealth in northern New Brunswick for future generations.

"The objective of the Alliance is to develop partnerships to produce renewable energy and thus generate revenue for the benefit of our communities, while contributing to the energy transition and fostering social acceptability. We are convinced that this governance model is optimal for the development of green energy in our region," said Mario Pelletier, Chairman of the Northern Energy Alliance steering committee.

Rich Discussions for a promising future
Conferences, workshops, and panels provided a platform for fruitful and enriching discussions. Three members of the Eastern Alliance, namely the mayors of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and Gaspé, as well as a representative of Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation, joined an expert panel to showcase the success of the Eastern Alliance established 15 years ago. They shared their experience and satisfaction in having implemented a similar structure for the benefit of their communities.

The presentation of the Northern Energy Alliance model by Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, which has been assisting the steering committee from the start, helped improve understanding and generated several questions to clarify the more technical details of such a structure.
 A highlight of the Forum was the presentation of the Lamèque Renewable Energy Cooperative project, demonstrating how community involvement from the start and at every stage of a project fosters social acceptability and support. The Forum was also a great opportunity for the Port of Belledune to present the Green Energy Hub to the assembly.

Inevitably, social acceptability took center stage this weekend. Collaboration, listening, and transparency were on everyone's lips. Elected officials had the opportunity to reflect together on the importance of involving citizens in the discussions so they can actively participate in developing the conditions for acceptability for their communities.

Steering Committee Optimistic for the Future
At the heart of the discussions, transparency and the principle of "by and for the community, according to their conditions" were emphasized as essential to the success of energy projects. The Northern Energy Alliance is already positioning itself as the one-stop shop for developers wishing to create renewable energy projects in northern New Brunswick.
A Step Closer to Energy Autonomy

"It is imperative that the citizens of northern New Brunswick take control of their energy future and develop projects by and for their community, respecting their territory and their conditions. This forum shows that we have the means to become a model of community governance in renewable energy, while strengthening our autonomy and stimulating our economic development, all while working together in the same direction," said Mario Pelletier, Chairman of the Northern Energy Alliance steering committee.

 The Alliance wishes to sincerely thank all the participants, speakers, and partners who contributed to the success of this event. Your commitment is essential for building a sustainable and prosperous energy future for northern New Brunswick.
 About the Northern Alliance

The Restigouche Regional Service Commission (RSC), in collaboration with the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission, Chaleur Regional Service Commission, and the First Nations of Eel River Bar and Pabineau, are creating a community energy production alliance, the Northern Energy Alliance, bringing together all municipalities & communities in their territory. The steering committee of the Alliance ensures governance and works to establish an optimal structure for permanent community governance.