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Injunction adjourned

THUNDER BAY -- A proposed injunction against a controversial wind farm came to a sudden halt Friday because of campaign-trail commentary.
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Fort William First Nation chief Gerojann Morriseau. (Jamie Smith, tbnewswatch.com)

THUNDER BAY -- A proposed injunction against a controversial wind farm came to a sudden halt Friday because of campaign-trail commentary.

Earlier this year Fort William First Nation filed an injunction to stop the Ministry of the Environment from making a decision on the proposed Big Thunder Wind Park saying the province didn't adequately consult the community. 

Justice Bruce Fitzpatrick was ready to hear arguments in a Thunder Bay courtroom filled to capacity Friday, but Fort William First Nation lawyer Chantelle Bryson asked for the matter to be adjourned until after the provincial election.

During a candidate town hall Monday evening, Liberal incumbent Bill Mauro told Fort William First Nation Chief Georjann Morriseau that he had heard unequivocally from Premier Kathleen Wynne and environment minister Jim Bradley that a decision will not be made until the issues with her community is resolved. 

"In essence it has changed somewhat the course of how we are proceeding in the matter, but we do expect that that statement will be adhered to," Morriseau said outside of the courtroom after the hearing was adjourned until June 23.
 

Morriseau added that a decision by the court before the election could have been problematic and the community wants concrete assurances that, if the Liberals regain power, the provincial government will keep its word.

As for consultation, Morriseau said there still hasn't been any and no schedule for talks has been drawn up.

Horizon Wind Inc., the company behind the proposed wind farm, said it was surprised the community asked for an adjournment to its own injunction hearing, but it's only a two week delay.


 





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