“Jake, we share your concern. The free movement of goods is critical to a prosperous economy. But we must also recognize the rights of our Indigenous people to control their own territories. The Supreme Court has been clear on that.”
“Minister, we have worked for years with aboriginal people. We hire them, we purchase supplies from Indigenous companies, and we engage them as partners, so I think we understand them. But there are a few who are obstructionist and who, even now, are using the Supreme Court decision to block transportation corridors. The Supreme Court has ruled, but Parliament can intervene. It has the legal ability to declare a project in the national interest. It even has the constitutional tools to override the court’s decision. I would think something as critical to the country’s interests as the future of an entire industry would warrant some kind of action.”
“You are right that we could intervene, but using these tools would be controversial. It’s not something we would consider without exhausting all other alternatives. I’m sure you understand how divisive such actions would be.”
“I do understand. I also understand that leadership means making the hard decisions that are best for the country. That’s why I’m here. To make sure you and your Cabinet colleagues understand how crucial this is.”
“We do. That is why I’ve convened a special inquiry committee on transportation of natural resources. Once we have agreed upon a frame of reference, we will be studying the options. I’m confident that we can come up with a satisfactory solution.”
“An inquiry committee? This is the first I’ve heard of it. Can I ask who is on it?”
“Of course. It’s composed of Members of Parliament as well as aboriginal representatives and members of key environmental groups.”
“Who do you have on it from industry?”
“Oh, we will certainly solicit input from industry. We’re open to all suggestions.”
“But Minister, surely you have someone from industry sitting on the committee.”
“Jake, we’ve made sure that industry interests are represented. One of the committee members is a Member of Parliament from a mining constituency. Besides, we all know industry’s requirements, and we’re sensitive to them.”
“Is the committee accepting input from interested parties? I think our association would be willing to make a presentation. Certainly, I would on behalf of the industry.”
“We’ve discussed such involvement. We may open up deliberations at some point.”
“Well, would it possible for one of our people to observe the discussions?”
“That’s not something we’ve considered. I would be happy to present the idea to the committee for their consideration.”
“When might we—”
“Jake, you’ll have to excuse me. I have a two o’clock I have to get ready for. Look, I understand your concerns. You can rest assured that your interests are a major part of our discussions. Thank you for meeting with me.”
“WE HAVE BREAKING news. The Sumac First Nation has blocked access to a sawmill and plywood plant in Northern Quebec. They claim logging is destroying their traditional lands. Our Pierre Lemaitre is standing by. Pierre?”
“Yes, Andrew, the Sumac First Nation is insisting that all forest operations cease in what they claim as their traditional lands. That covers an area of Northern Quebec about half the size of New Brunswick. They have blockaded the highway and have even set up barriers on logging roads. They are refusing to allow anyone in to any of the operations, which include logging, a sawmill, and a plywood plant.”
“Pierre, are they demanding a share of the operations?”
“They already have it. The Sumac own a third of the equity in the company, and most of the employees are band members.”
“What is the reason for the blockades?”
“I put that question to Bob Joseph who has just been elected the new chief of the Sumac. Here’s the interview.
“Mr. Joseph, why are your people blockading the area?”
“These are our traditional lands. They are not available for outsiders to pillage and profit from. We are determined to stop them.”
“But I understand that the Sumac First Nation owns part of the forest operations and that most of the people working there are natives.”
“Having our lands and our traditional way of life destroyed in the name of profit is wrong. Our previous leadership was willing to destroy our traditional values for a few dollars. We got rid of them, and we are stopping this abomination now. Profit is evil, and we do not care whether it goes to some outside company or to people in our community who have chosen to sell out our principles for money. Profit is evil, and we are ending it.”
“I’ve seen several people from a couple of environmental groups here. Did they encourage these demonstrations?”
“Our brothers and sisters in the environmental organizations understand the value of protecting the earth. We have benefited from their advice, but the decision to protect our lands and our way of life was ours alone.”
“Do all your people feel this way?”
“What does that matter? Democracy is a white man’s concept. Traditional values cannot be sacrificed to a majority vote. We will not allow it.”
“So there you have it, Andrew. There does not seem to be any room for compromise here.”
“Pierre, what are other members of the community saying? Is there any chance they will react or create a counter-demonstration? Is there a risk of violence?”
“I’ve spoken to a number of the natives here including some who work in the mills or the logging camps. They’re not happy about losing their jobs, but none of them seem willing to confront the protestors. I get the sense they feel intimidated. Is there a risk of violence? Yes, but the threats have been coming from the activists, not the majority of the natives here. Back to you, Andrew.”
“That was Pierre Lemaitre reporting from a blockade of forest operations by members of the Sumac First Nation. For some perspective on this, we have a special guest. Phil McQuarrie is a columnist and blogger focusing on aboriginal affairs. Phil, we’ve seen protests and blockades over oil pipelines and mines. Now activists are attacking forest operations. In your opinion, could this spread to other provinces, even to other industries?”
“Absolutely on both counts. I’ve been hearing grumbling from some forest product operations in Ontario and a mine in Nova Scotia. A native community in British Columbia has threatened to block shipments of lumber and logs through its territory. So far, they haven’t taken any action, but I expect this protest at the Sumac First Nation will just embolden them.”
“Oil and gas, minerals, forest products. Do you see this spreading to other industries?”
“Yes, I do, Andrew. Agriculture is vulnerable. Even manufacturing is not untouchable.”
“Agriculture? What makes you think that, Phil?”
“I have a working paper from an environmental organization in the States that talks about the need to stop intensive farming and ranching operations. They don’t like ranching because cattle emit large quantities of greenhouse gases, and they oppose farming because of the use of pesticides and herbicides, not to mention genetically modified foods. These concerns echo those of some native groups who are willing to condemn industrial agriculture as a form of rape of the land. The result is a natural alliance of environmental groups and native communities opposed to intensive agriculture.”