Judge denies First Nation's attempt to delay Bipole III

A judge has denied a Western Manitoba First Nation's attempt to delay construction of Manitoba Hydro’s Bipole III transmission line.

In December, Sapotaweyak Cree Nation had applied for an injunction to halt clear-cutting its ancestral lands between Swan River and The Pas. The first nation, located north of Swan River, wanted proper provincial government consultation first.

Wednesday, a Court of Queen's Bench judge dismissed the application. Donald Bryk will provide reasons at a later date.

SCN Chief Nelson Genaille said he's extremely disappointed. “The judge clearly sided with Manitoba Hydro’s economic interests over our Constitutional claims, interests and ambitions,” said Genaille in a press release Wednesday afternoon.