The project's social acceptability depends mainly on the development of a sound agreement with the James Bay Crees and the Jamesian community and on the provincial and federal government approval process.

The signing of the Paix des Braves by the Québec government and the Crees of Québec on February 7, 2002, was a historic step in the development of a new relationship with the James Bay Crees. In this agreement, the Crees agreed in principle to construction of the project, subject to the conditions set out in the Boumhounan Agreement signed the same day. This event was preceded by a referendum held in the Cree communities, which voted 70% in favor of the project.

Hydro-Québec has taken the Cree communities' concerns into consideration at all stages of project design. Cree traditional knowledge was incorporated into the environmental studies through community participation in the field surveys. Throughout the project, the Crees will play an active role in the environmental studies and construction work.
More information on the partnership with the Crees

Hydro-Québec has built a good relationship with the Jamesian community through information and discussion panels that have enabled the company to take their concerns into account from the moment the studies began. An agreement has been signed with the Nord-du-Québec region on a series of measures to promote regional economic spinoffs.
More information on the partnership with the Jamesian community

Furthermore, the project authorization process applied by the provincial and federal governments ensured compliance with current legislation and involved the public in structuring and carrying out the impact assessment.
More information on the government approvals process

Hydro-Québec and the host community are now partners in all phases of project development.