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Les Archives de Radio-Canada

Home · Society · Native Issues · James Bay Project and the Cree

Topic spans: 1971 - 2002

James Bay Project and the Cree

In 1971 northern Quebec became a political battleground as the provincial government and the James Bay Cree faced off over a hydroelectric mega-project. Quebec sees the James Bay Project as the key to future prosperity. The Cree believe the massive development will destroy their traditional way of life. Their tense relationship will continue for decades.

For a more in-depth look at the Cree side of this story told in the Cree language, see the CBC Archives topic Eeyou Istchee: Land of the Cree.

Image of La Grande-1 generating station by P199, used under Wikimedia Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 license.

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High hopes for the James Bay Project

Broadcast Date: May 2, 1971

On April 30, 1971, Quebec Premier Robert Bourassa announces plans for a massive hydroelectric-power development in northern Quebec. Hydro-Québec will build a series of dams, dikes, reservoirs and power stations and divert major rivers to harness massive amounts of power. The government believes the James Bay Project is the key to its economic future because cheap power will encourage new industry and create jobs.

High hopes for the James Bay Project

• Quebec nationalized its private electricity companies beginning in 1944 with the creation of Hydro-Québec. In 1963, as part of its efforts to modernize the province — a process dubbed the Quiet Revolution — it nationalized all the remaining private network and companies. The idea to nationalize was promoted by the Minister of Natural Resources René Lévesque in 1962.

High hopes for the James Bay Project

Medium: Television

Program: CBC Television News

Broadcast Date: May 2, 1971

Guest(s): Robert Bourassa

Duration: 0:44

Last updated:
Nov. 19, 2004


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