By Roy L Hales
One would have thought democratic governments have a duty to look after the interests of all their citizens, even First Nations. Canada’s current Prime Minister initially promised the indigenous population a new deal. Justin Trudeau is quick to offer bail outs to oil corporations like Kinder Morgan, but the Feds neglected determining whether Site C violates Treaty 8.
Continue reading Feds Neglected Determining Whether Site C Violates Treaty 8By Roy L Hales
Premier John Horgan blamed the former Liberal Government last month, “They got to the point of no return … It wasn’t about public policy, it wasn’t about energy policy, it wasn’t about the best interests of British Columbians, it was about getting a project past the point of no return.” He approved the Site C Dam project anyway. In so doing, he joined the Canadian Government in sidestepping what may turn out to be the most crucial point in this debate. Should the BC & Canadian governments honour treaties?
Continue reading Should the BC & Canadian Governments Honour Treaties?By Roy L Hales
A dozen creative actions were held in British Columbia Saturday. Most were in Vancouver, where 70 volunteers helped organize events like a “Yoga-thon,” “Guerrilla” Chalk mural and “Drums for the Peace” ceremony. There also events in Victoria, Kelowna and Fort St John. Today, in time for the opening of the West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations’ court case, the solidarity protests against Site C reach Montreal.
Continue reading Solidarity Protests Against Site C Reach MontrealBy Roy L Hales
The Canadian and British Columbian governments may wish to ignore perceived treaty violations of the Site C Dam project, but this determined group of people will not let them. Their bus left Ken and Arlene Boon’s farm, in the Peace River Valley, Monday. They want to be present when a Federal judge hears the West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations argue that this BC Hydro project infringes on their constitutionally protected rights to hunt, fish and trap the lands that will be submerged. The Treaty 8 Justice for the Peace Caravan will arrive in Montreal Sunday.
Continue reading Treaty 8 Justice for the Peace CaravanBritish Columbia grows less than half of the fresh produce it needs. Much of what we consume comes from California. The ongoing drought conditions, and a weak loony, have sent vegetable prices spiralling 11.7% this year. Fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables are becoming an occasional luxury for some middle-low income B.C. families. Though this will only worsen worse as global temperatures continue to rise, the government of BC is far more preoccupied with the get-rich promise of mega-energy projects. Once it is completed, Site C will submerge prime agricultural lands.
Continue reading Site C Will Submerge Needed Agricultural Lands
