B.C. government bungling fosters uncertainty
HAZELTON – Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson is laying the blame for the breakdown of negotiations between the Gitanyow First Nation and B.C. Hydro over the Northern Transmission Line project firmly at the feet of the provincial government.
“The issues causing these unnecessary delays are legitimately the responsibility of the B.C. government under government-to-government negotiations with the Gitanyow,” said Donaldson, the New Democrat energy and mines critic. “But the premier’s government has refused to take the leadership role required, and now the people of Stikine are suffering the results.”
Donaldson has kept current on all negotiations between the different First Nations along the proposed NTL route and said the government’s approach to the Gitanyow has been particularly troubling.
“I’ve spoken with Gitanyow chief negotiator Malii (Glen Williams) and met with B.C. Hydro CEO David Cobb on these matters. What is most disconcerting is the lack of an appropriate response from the province to numerous letters by the Gitanyow detailing their concerns, confirming their willingness to negotiate, and requesting high-level meetings.”
Donaldson said the result of the abdication of responsibility by the premier and energy minister is the impasse between B.C. Hydro and the Gitanyow.
“There are disturbing similarities between what we are witnessing in this situation and the way the premier has inflamed the Prosperity Mine issue in the Cariboo region to the detriment of residents and communities. The premier says she has a new approach but this breakdown in negotiations is the same old government that does not have a handle on creating a responsible development climate in Stikine. It is a major concern for not only the NTL but for potential mining and energy projects as well.”
Donaldson is encouraging the new premier and the energy minister to take up the offer of the Gitanyow to meet on the unresolved issues as soon as possible in order to demonstrate good faith and create some certainty for residents and investors.
B.C.’s New Democrats are working on solutions to ensure that natural resources are used effectively to create jobs in British Columbia, while respecting First Nations, environmental sustainability and local community needs.
Contact: Mike Lowe 250-886-7064