Key exec takes step back from Hydro's Keeyask board as First Nation calls for inquiry over abuse allegations

Manitoba Hydro says a key executive voluntarily resigned as board chair of the Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership on Thursday evening, just before a northern Manitoba First Nation publiclycalled forhis removal and a provincial inquiry into alleged racism, discrimination and violence at the hands of the Manitoba Hydro workers.

The announcement of LorneMidford's resignationas KHLP board chaircame Friday afternoon, just after a press conference held by York Factory First Nation.

Hewas accused at the Friday morning news conference ofbelittling a female board member from York Factory for a statement the community gave to the media.

Later in the afternoon, Manitoba Hydro told CBC News that Midfordhad resigned as board chair on Thursday.

He remains a vice-president with the company, responsible for all of Hydro's generating stations in Manitoba.

And he remainspresident and a board member of KHLP, Hydro clarified on Sept. 10.

Thisis in our own territories, our own traditional areas, where we're subject to racism.- York Factory Chief Leroy Constant

York Factory's call for a provincial inquiry followsallegations arising fromlast month's damning report from the Clean Environment Commission.

York Factory Chief Leroy Constantsaid the recent media coverage and dialogue resulting from thereport have triggered traumatic memories, especially for women.

"Our people have experienced atrocities," he said Friday duringa media conference at the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak office in Winnipeg.

First Nation calls for inquiry over abuse allegations

6 years ago

Duration 2:05

York Factory First Nation is demanding an inquiry into allegations of racism, discrimination and sexual violence at the hands of Manitoba Hydro employees.

That report exposed long-standing claims of sexual abuse and discrimination during the construction of hydroelectric projectsin northern Manitoba that date back decades.

York Factory First Nation, about 700 kilometres north of Winnipeg, is the first communityto publicly ask the provincial government toundertake an inquiry. That call is supported by War Lake First Nation, whose chief, Betsy Kennedy, also attended Friday's press conference.

Constant said he expects other First Nation communities to back their request.

Evelyn Beardy, a band councillor at York Factory First Nation, wants the inquiryto beginimmediately.

"We need to make sure that all our employees are safe out there, but specifically our Indigenous women. They can't continue to be sexually exploited like they have been."

The province said in a statement that Manitoba Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations Eileen Clarke would visit the affected communities.

Racism still happening

Constant said the issues, which he said the community has tried to bring up for years to no avail,go back to the late1950s.

"Racism, discrimination, harassment and sexual violence continue today in the current Keeyaskproject."

In particular, hesaid community members stillhear derogatory language directed at them.

"There's numerous names that I won't refer to that our peoplehave been subject to, and it has to stop," he said. "Thisis in our own territories, our own traditional areas, where we're subject to racism."

A statement from York Factory alleged sexual assaults were perpetrated by Hydro workers assigned to the Keeyaskproject, which has been under construction since2014.

In a statement emailed to CBC News Thursday, the RCMPsaidtheyhavereceived no reports of sexual assault during that time span.

"We have recently held discussions with [York Factory First Nation] leadership and assured them that any allegation of sexual assault reported to police will be fully investigated," the RCMPstatement said, adding that any sexual assault victim who does not want to make a formal complaint can report the assault anonymously through Klinic Community Health Center.

Accusatory phone call

Constant said a complaint had been filed with Hydro Thursday,asking forMidfordto be removed from his post as KHLPboard chair for alleged harassment and inappropriate behaviour.

The First Nation was apparently not informed before Friday's press conferencethat Midfordhad already resigned.

Board member Louisa Constant, who represents York Factory on the board, allegesshe received an angry phone call from Midford, who she says questioned York Factory's commitment to working with the KHLPboard, the media release said.

He was reportedly referring to a Sept. 1 report in the Winnipeg Free Press in which the community alleged thatworkers from the Keeyask generating station construction site have sexually assaulted women, used racial slurs and brought cocaine to the community.

The chief saidMidford'sphone call was apersonal attack on York Factory's representative on the board.

"This sort of behaviour cannot be condoned, particularly in the context of the history of violence against Indigenous women."

Manitoba Hydro said it would conduct an independent investigation to determine if the complaint has merit.

Constant also voiced his support Friday for York Factory First Nation memberMartina Saunders, the former vice-president of KLHP's board, who publicly blasted the board this week forsystemic racism and discrimination that she said prompted her to resign in 2017.

She said she approachedthe Manitoba Human Rights Commission in 2017 and isstill speaking with them today about her complaint against Hydro.

With files from Marianne Klowak