Dear Editor,
Re: Expect Site C ripple effect, Opinion, by Keith Baldrey, Aug. 4 edition.
The last minute approval (on the Friday of a long weekend) by the Trudeau government of the Site C dam permits was done without the free, prior and informed consent of the indigenous people directly affected. Trudeau and his ministers broke a promise that was at the heart of their election platform: to develop a renewed relationship with indigenous people. Site C is still before the courts and approving permits while this process is ongoing is a cynical betrayal of Trudeau’s stated commitment to respect indigenous rights.
Mr. Trudeau has said that “I believe that a respectful, cooperative partnership is not only possible – it is a sacred responsibility inherited from past generations and entrusted to us by future ones.” (Remarks by Justin Trudeau at the Assembly of First Nations 36th annual General Assembly.) What hypocrisy. This action by the Trudeau government is anything but respectful and cooperative.
By this decision, it has shown that as far as the Canadian government’s relationship with indigenous peoples is concerned, it is business as usual.
Andrew Phillips, Sapperton
