What is the cost of half a square kilometre in northern Manitoba? On one side of the debate concerning Manitoba Hydro's proposed Wuswatim Dam it could mean potential revenues exceeding billions of dollars, on the other it could translate into priceless environmental and social degradation.

Since March 1st, the Clean Environment Commission (CEC), a provincial agency that offers advice and recommendations to the Minister of Conservation, has been holding hearings regarding Wuskwatim Dam. For one month the CEC will listen to speakers in Winnipeg, Thompson, and The Pas describe the benefits and costs associated with the dam and then make its recommendations to the government. The NDP will then decide whether to proceed with construction. Proponents of the dam, such as Nisichawaysihk Cree Nation (NCN) chief Jerry Primrose, Thompson mayor Bill Comaskey, and Manitoba Hydro, feel that the project will benefit Northern communities.

If built, the dam will create 540 jobs during peak construction and give northern aboriginals valuable vocational skills. Manitoba Hydro has stated that it will not proceed with the construction of the dam without the support and agreement of NCN.

In 2001 band members of NCN tentatively agreed to become equity owners of the 200-megawatt dam, giving them access to one third of all profits generated by the Wuskwatim. In order to become equity owners, however, the Nisichawayasihk people must first borrow money from Manitoba Hydro in order to supply their share of startup capital. But while equity ownership offers an element of control, these benefits come with a price tag says Carol Kobliski, a member of the Justice Seekers of Nelson House and the Displaced Residents of South Indian Lake.

"[All Manitoba Hyrdo is offering is] the opportunity to borrow money from Hydro, producing sizeable debt, ceding control of our futures, allowing the exploitation of our land and resources for the promises of future speculative profits, and promise of some low skill and low paying short-term construction jobs for the honour of being limited partners with Manitoba Hydro," said Kobliski.

And Peter Kulchyski, director of native studies at the University of Manitoba cautions that there are associated financial risks. "If the project goes broke, [the NCN] could go broke, which is a horrifying thought to contemplate."

This could become a reality in light of low water levels that have decreased hydro outputs in the past year coupled with the fact that Xcel Energy, Hydro's biggest customer in the United States, hopes to purchase less power in the future. Claurie-Spence Mckenzie, who is also a member of the Displaced Residents of South Indian Lake, is wary of Manitoba Hydro's sales pitch. Mckenzie was forced to move due to the creation of the Churchill-Nelson River dam in the 1970s and recalls what happened then.

"South Indian Lake was once a self-sufficient community based largely on a traditional lifestyle," she said. Now the area suffers from staggering unemployment rates between 85 and 95 percent.

"The Cree of South Indian Lake were browbeat into accepting an $18 million settlement [to cover] the environmental impacts and dislocation of the community," said Mckenzie pointing out that estimates placed the level of damages closer to $80 million.

But NCN Chief Jerry Primrose believes the project will create badly needed jobs in northern communities. However, during the March 15th hearings, Ken Adams of Manitoba Hydro admitted that jobs for NCN people would not be guaranteed. In choosing potential employers, NCN would receive preference, but independent contractors will have the final say in who is hired. But it is not only human populations that are at risk-the flooded land will affect surrounding populations of wildlife. Even though less than half a square kilometre of land will be flooded, 350 kilometres of transmission lines will be constructed requiring clearings as wide as a football field.

Erin Bayne, a biologist at the University of Alberta remarked these clearings affect migration patterns of animals and interrupt natural interactions among organisms that are within 250 km of the line. Bayne says that these corridors could destroy habitat for 8,000 birds and create "highways" for wolves to prey on Northern Manitoba's woodland caribou, an endangered species.

NCN members will hold a final referendum at the end of summer to decide whether or not they would like to become equity owners of the Wuskwatim Dam. Closing statements by the CEC will occur on April 6th and 7th at the Radisson Hotel downtown, where the Commission will state its opinions regarding the viability of the dam and present recommendations on whether Environment Act Licenses should be issued to Manitoba Hydro.

More information and copies of hearings can be obtained at www.energymanitoba.org.