Stop Hiding Behind Jurisdiction: MPP Mamakwa calls for Immediate Action from Ontario and Canada to Address the Energy Crisis in Nibinamik First Nation

SIOUX LOOKOUT – Kiiwetinoong MPP and Ontario NDP Deputy Leader Sol Mamakwa has released the below statement following his visit to Nibinamik First Nation (also known as Summer Beaver) on Thursday, February 26, 2026. His visit came in the wake of a 5-day power outage that put the safety of the community at risk. Although the power has now been restored, without effective action from governments, Nibinamik remains vulnerable to future power outages.

“Yesterday, I travelled to Nibinamik First Nation to see the situation on the ground. Although the power has finally been restored, Nibinamik remains in a State of Emergency and the energy crisis is ongoing. Their two generators are already at capacity and without prompt and sustained action from Canada and Ontario, the power continues to be unreliable and could fail again at any point. At the time of my visit, almost a quarter of the homes in Nibinamik had frozen pipes that needed to be repaired.

“This crisis is not a surprise, nor is it new. Nibinamik has seen a pattern of jurisdictional ambiguity along with inaction from the governments of Ontario and Canada. Even after a similar State of Emergency was declared in 2020, the measures taken provided only a band aid fix. We cannot allow this cycle to continue.

“I support the Matawa Chiefs Council’s calls to Canada and Ontario. I urge the Government of Canada and Ontario to start dialogue with the leadership of Nibinamik First Nation and enter a well-resourced tripartite process to take immediate action to increase the reliability of the energy system, while also looking into the possibilities to ensure that a long-term solution is reached.

“These are only the first steps. The energy system is only one element of the ongoing infrastructure crisis in Nibinamik, and it’s time for the real change that is past due for Nibinamik’s community members.”

Quick Facts:

• During MPP Mamakwa’s visit, 290 signatures were gathered over 4 hours for a petition calling for the governments of Ontario and Canada to address the infrastructure gap.
• Nibinamik First Nation declared a State of Emergency in May 2020 due to the impacts of frequent power outages caused by their failing Diesel Generating System. Following this declaration, Indigenous Services Canada announced upgrades to the Diesel Generation Station.
• In addition to the inadequate state of energy infrastructure in the community, Nibinamik First Nation is under a long-term boil water advisory that began in February 2013.