ST. JOHN'S — Quebec's hydro utility said Thursday it has suspended work at a planned hydroelectric station in traditional Innu territory in Labrador amid protests by some residents.
Hydro-Québec spokesperson Lynn St-Laurent said the utility is monitoring the situation in the Gull Island area with a commitment to understanding the demonstrators' concerns.
"We recognize the cultural, historical, and spiritual importance of the Gull Island territory for Innu communities," St-Laurent said in an email. "We respect the right of community members to express their concerns."
Hydro-Québec said earlier this week it was set to begin geotechnical and environmental studies in the area, in preparation for future construction work. The utility announced a tentative agreement last year with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro to build a hydroelectric generating station at Gull Island, along the Churchill River in Labrador.
The power companies are still hammering out binding deals, and Hydro-Québec said in a news release that the studies are "necessary for the signing of the final agreement."
The river cuts through the traditional Innu region of Nitassinan, which includes parts of eastern Quebec and much of southern Labrador.
Hydro-Québec said last month it had signed an agreement in principle to end a lawsuit launched in 2020 by the Innu Nation in Labrador. The suit sought compensation from the utility for building and operating the Churchill Falls hydroelectric station, also on the Churchill River, on traditional Innu land.
As part of the draft deal, Hydro-Québec said it would make annual payments over 16 years totalling $87 million to the Innu in Labrador, according to a press release.
The Innu Nation represents the two Innu First Nations in Labrador: The Sheshatshiu Innu Nation, in the central Labrador town of Sheshatshiu, and the Mushuau Innu First Nation in Natuashish, a fly-in community along Labrador's northeast coast.
Hydro-Québec did not say Thursday when work at Gull Island would resume.
"We will continue the dialogue initiated with community representatives to better understand their concerns and to discuss next steps in a spirit of mutual respect," St-Laurent said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2025.
The Canadian Press
