Byron LeClair

Byron LeClair
Died	2017
Occupation	economic development advocate

Byron LeClair was a person mentioned in Anishinabek News.

In Anishinabek News

• Home community: Biigtigong Nishnaabeg
• July 2014: He expressed excitement for the new investment in green energy and anticipated construction would begin in 2018. He noted that Parks Canada already hosts hydroelectric facilities in other locations like Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.
• September 2014: He provided information regarding the exhibition game held between the Fort Frances Lakers and Dryden Ice Dogs.
• September 2014: He spoke about the importance of hockey as a bonding experience between parents and children following the death of his son, Jaret LeClair. He noted that the 2014 memorial game was a celebration of life compared to the more somber event held the previous year.
• April 2015: He described the forestry initiative as a strategic investment of energy dividends rather than government funding. He expressed excitement regarding the new mandate for Pic River Energy Corporation to support economic growth.
• December 2015: He stated that the community has 25 years of experience in developing and operating energy facilities with minimal environmental impact. He argued that renewable energy development is compatible with the mandate of Pukaskwa National Park. He estimated that a proposed project at Chigamiwinigum Falls would cost over $100 million and could power 12,000 homes.
• March 2016: He stated that Mkwa Timber used its own resources to purchase specialized equipment to create more opportunities. He selected Ponsse as a partner because the manufacturer offered training and ongoing support to the community. He aims for the company to become the lowest cost harvester of wood fibre in Northern Ontario.
• May 2017: In September 2016, he partnered with Origin Operator Recruitment and Training to focus on Indigenous business development and employment. He utilizes three decades of experience in the forestry and energy sectors to build networks between companies and communities. He works with Paul Giles to provide advisory services for companies seeking strategic partnerships with First Nations in Northwestern Ontario.
• July 2017: He served as a councillor for Biigtigong Nishnaabeg for eight years and was the community's Director of Energy Projects. He was the president of Kagiano Power Corporation and the president and CEO of Pic River Energy and Forestry. He founded First Nations Resource Management and co-founded Origin Operators and Recruitment to support Indigenous business and labour in the mining and construction sectors. He contributed to the development of provincial energy procurement policies, including Ontario’s site release policy. He advocated for Aboriginal Rights and spoke at conferences regarding resource development and First Nation business partnerships.