First Nation sues Manitoba government over Bipole III route

The Manitoba government is being sued by a First Nation over the multi-billion-dollar Bipole III hydro transmission line.

​Sapotaweyak Cree Nation filed a statement of claim on Thursday, saying the province and Manitoba Hydro haven't "adequately" consulted with them about the line, which will pass through SCN lands.

The line, for which two new generating stations are being constructed, is slated to go into operation in 2018.

The SCN statement of claim asks for the licence, granted to the province under the Environment Act, to be revoked or suspended until the government fulfils its consultation requirement.

The claim also asks that the government not be allowed "to cut or clear" anymore land for the transmission line's 66-metre-wide route until that happens.

As well, SCN wants the province and Hydro to provide funding to the First Nation so it can participate in the consultation process.