Mandate

The Dune-du-Nord Wind Farm Liaison Committee is a forum for exchanging information between the Dune-du-Nord Wind Farm (PEDDN) and representatives from the community.

The committee will first consider issues relating to the development of the project. Secondly, the liaison committee will consider issues relating to the construction, installation, use, operation and maintenance of the Dune-du-Nord wind farm in accordance with the partners’ values in terms of safety, health and the environment.

The liaison committee is not a forum for discussions on the merits of wind energy. The committee will not address issues and concerns already addressed in the approval process of the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change (MDDELCC).

The liaison committee allows:

  • To PEDDN to provide regular updates on the project;
  • To discuss community questions or concerns relating specifically to the Dune-du-Nord Wind Farm project.
  • To raise awareness in the community about the Dune-du-Nord Wind Farm project and provide up-to-date information on the construction, installation, use, operation and maintenance of the project;
  • To share and better understand the public’s point of view and observations;
  • To identify opportunities for improvement and mitigation;
  • To contribute to resolving conflicts relating to the project;

Work philosophy

The Liaison Committee is solution-oriented and forward-looking. It recognizes and values the right and responsibility of each member to contribute to the success of the committee’s work. The Liaison Committee builds trust between PEDDN and the community by holding regular meetings to discuss issues, concerns and opportunities related to the Dune-du-Nord Wind Farm project.

It serves as a vehicle for community representatives to ask questions, make comments or express concerns and allows PEDDN to respond to them directly.

The Liaison Committee ensures a dialogue between PEDDN and the community. The Liaison Committee does not make any decisions and serves only as a source of information and discussion. Its recommendations are submitted to PEDDN by the community representative. The latter is responsible for keeping the Liaison Committee informed of the actions taken by PEDDN following the recommendations.

Liaison Committee meetings and discussions will be proactive and focused on ensuring the community is informed, engaged and heard during the development, construction and operation of the project. Liaison Committee meetings are held in closed session, but may occasionally be open to the public.

Members

The liaison committee has twelve (12) community members representing the following sectors:

  • The municipality;
  • Environmental organizations;
  • Local businesses;
  • Social organizations.

All members of the Liaison Committee are invited to serve on the Committee by PEDDN. Members are appointed based on their interest and experience, as well as their commitment to regularly and actively participate in meetings. Liaison Committee members are expected to serve for a minimum of two years. They receive no direct compensation.

Certain key PEDDN employees and consultants, including the Project Director, are invited to each Liaison Committee meeting as resource persons. Representatives of government departments and agencies as well as representatives of Hydro-Québec may also be invited to Liaison Committee meetings as resource persons.

The Liaison Committee agrees to have an external independent facilitator lead the meetings, allowing all members to participate in the discussion. A PEDDN representative takes care of logistics and administration.

Meetings

1) Calendar

The Liaison Committee holds at least four meetings per year. Additional meetings and/or working sessions may be necessary. Liaison Committee members decide how often and when they want to meet based on the year’s calendar and the project timeline. Meetings are held at a location agreed upon by the members.

2) Agenda

The PEDDN and the facilitator prepare the agenda with input from the Liaison Committee members. The latter are invited to submit topics to the PEDDN 10 days before the scheduled meeting date. The agenda is distributed before the meeting.

3) Minutes

The PEDDN is responsible for preparing the minutes of each meeting, which are distributed to the members of the Liaison Committee for comments within two weeks. The minutes are then posted on the PEDDN website within one week of the first draft being sent, with comments from the Liaison Committee members sent electronically as necessary. They are then formally approved by the Liaison Committee at the next meeting.

4) Public meetings

When Liaison Committee meetings are open to the public, a question period is provided for members of the public. The public is also invited to submit questions in advance of Liaison Committee meetings. The facilitator must ensure that as many questions as possible are asked and answered within the time available.

Recommendations of the liaison committee

The Liaison Committee communicates its recommendations to PEDDN for consideration. Actions associated with these recommendations are communicated to the Liaison Committee within a reasonable time, in person or electronically.