All Things First Nations - CF help, protests, solutions, residential schools, etc. (merged)

[YZT580]

Whoever or whatever organisation is behind these protests is winning.  Teck's has announced that they will not be pursuing their northern Alberta development.  The reason given being that even if the cabinet were to approve it, the political climate would make sure that the shovels in the ground stage would cost more money than the project could hope to make.  More jobs gone.

 

[The Bread Guy]

... Teck's has announced that they will not be pursuing their northern Alberta development.  The reason given being that even if the cabinet were to approve it, the political climate would make sure that the shovels in the ground stage would cost more money than the project could hope to make ...

This from the horse's mouth (full Teck letter to Canada's environment minister attached) ...

...  global capital markets are changing rapidly and investors and customers are increasingly looking for jurisdictions to have a framework in place that reconciles resource development and climate change, in order to produce the cleanest possible products. This does not yet exist here today and, unfortunately, the growing debate around this issue has placed Frontier and our company squarely at the nexus of much broader issues that need to be resolved. In that context, it is now evident that there is no constructive path forward for the project. Questions about the societal implications of energy development, climate change and Indigenous rights are critically important ones for Canada, its provinces and Indigenous governments to work through ...

 

[OldSolduer]

Whoever or whatever organisation is behind these protests is winning.  Teck's has announced that they will not be pursuing their northern Alberta development.  The reason given being that even if the cabinet were to approve it, the political climate would make sure that the shovels in the ground stage would cost more money than the project could hope to make.  More jobs gone.

You can thank JT and his gang of amateurs for this. Its unfortunate that the locals will not be getting decent paying jobs.

Its an utter disgrace - the current GoC is the very worst I have ever seen, and that includes PET's Liberal governments.

 

[The Bread Guy]

OPP are breaking up the blockade near Belleville as I type this. Already at least one arrest. There’s a protest scheduled for Parliament Hill this morning, and probably we’ll see more activity as the prairies and B.C. wake up... I hope this stays as peaceful as circumstances allow.

This from the OPP info-machine (statement attached) ...

FROM/DE: East Region Headquarters DATE: February 24, 2020

ENFORCEMENT TO RESOLVE PROTEST ACTIVITY IN ONTARIO

(SMITHS FALLS, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has taken action to resolve protest activity and remove the barriers to rail service in and near Tyendinaga Township.

Since Thursday, February 6, OPP members have been meeting regularly and communicating with various representatives of the people protesting in solidarity with the Wet'suwet'en peoples of British Columbia.

Following its court-endorsed Framework for Police Preparedness for Indigenous Critical Incidents, the OPP Provincial Liaison Team has engaged in significant collaborative and respectful dialogue aimed at bringing about a peaceful resolution while ensuring everyone's safety and preserving their respective rights guaranteed by Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. To date, there had been no arrests made and no one has been injured.

We have remained respectful of the ongoing dialogue, including issues of sovereignty between our Indigenous communities and various federal ministers, and have hoped for productive communication leading to a peaceful resolution. The OPP notes the broader societal impacts of this extended protest have correspondingly increased risks to public safety closer to the protest sites. Unfortunately, all avenues to successfully negotiate a peaceful resolution have been exhausted and a valid court injunction remains in effect.

The OPP has a legal responsibility to enforce the injunction and began doing so this morning. The OPP has called upon all those involved to abide by the injunction and leave the area and to not put public peace or anyone's safety in jeopardy. All people are being encouraged to leave the demonstration site peacefully. Enforcement of the injunction may include arrest of those who choose not to comply, however, use of force remains a last resort.

The OPP will continue to follow and engage in communication while enforcing the injunction. Open communication, a reasoned and tempered approach, and proper use of police discretion guides the OPP's response to this and other major events.

-30-​

... and this from MSM

• "OPP move in on Tyendinaga protesters" (inquinte.ca, closest local  media)
• "OPP arrest multiple protesters at Tyendinaga Mohawk rail blockade" (Global)
• "OPP move in on rail blockade by Mohawks of Tyendinaga" (CBC)
• "Police clear rail protest near Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory" (APTN)

 

[Retired AF Guy]

Whoever or whatever organisation is behind these protests is winning.  Teck's has announced that they will not be pursuing their northern Alberta development.  The reason given being that even if the cabinet were to approve it, the political climate would make sure that the shovels in the ground stage would cost more money than the project could hope to make.  More jobs gone.

Actually not surprised about this happening. They were saying two-three weeks ago that the project might not go through even if approved. Also, to make a profit oil crude prices must be around $65 USD per barrel and stay there. Right now its around $58 USD, so no profit.

 

[Kirkhill]

An oldie but goodie - as a reminder that this is not new. We have been doing this to ourselves for quite a while.

The prospect of a pipeline bringing the natural gas to North American energy markets was originally analyzed in the 1970s with the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry. During that inquiry, Justice Berger heard testimony from diverse groups with an interest in the pipeline. The inquiry was notable for the voice it gave to the First Peoples whose traditional territory the pipeline would traverse. Berger stated that a pipeline should be postponed for 10 years, estimating that it would take this long for land claims to be settled and for First Peoples to be ready for the impact of such a project.[3] Before the Trudeau government could act on Berger's report, it was defeated at the polls in 1979. The short-lived government of Joe Clark also failed to act on the report. When the Liberal government was re-elected in 1980, it approved construction of an oil pipeline from Norman Wells to Zama, Alberta, through Dehcho territory where land claims have yet to be settled.

Exploration continued at a steady pace and by 1995 there were over 1,900 wells above the 60th parallel. In addition, aboriginal groups settled numerous land claims. The Inuvialuit settled the first land claim in 1984, followed by the Sahtu and Gwichʼin. By the late 1990s, companies once again seriously considered a pipeline. The Canadian government sold mineral claim rights, leading to C$400 million in bids and over C$1 billion in work commitments.

With the first wave of land claims settled, negotiations began between oil and gas companies and local aboriginal groups. These negotiations proved successful in October 2001, when ConocoPhillips, Shell, ExxonMobil, and Imperial Oil signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Aboriginal Pipeline Group. The APG was formed to represent the Inuvialuit, Sahtu, and Gwichʼin. The Memorandum of Understanding offered the APG a financial stake in the pipeline.[4]

On June 19, 2003 the Aboriginal Pipeline Group, and TransCanada Corp. signed an agreement giving the aboriginal groups of the Northwest Territories one-third ownership of the pipeline project.[5]

On 11 March 2011, the Mackenzie Valley pipeline was granted federal cabinet approval. The National Energy Board granted a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.[6]

By 2016, the projected cost of the pipeline had grown to almost $16 billion.[2] Due to a combination of factors such as the growing extraction of cheaper natural gas sources in North America and the regulatory approval far outpacing the expected timeline, the joint-venture partnership lead by Imperial Oil announced the abandonment of the project in 2017.[2]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mackenzie_Valley_Pipeline

I was discussing the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline in class in High School.

I was facing retirement when it was approved.

Surprisingly the world had changed.

Canada, apparently, does not know how to make decisions.  We never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.  (The downside of Presbyterianism - typified by fractious debate).

 

[Colin Parkinson]

My Dad ran on a Provincial NDP ticket with Tom Berger in the 60's, they have been family friends ever since.

 

[AbdullahD]

For those following this closely, blockade is up at new hazelton again lol.

This time I am stuck at the away from home terminal not at home haha. So these darn protestors are making me $50/hr on excessive heldaway bahaha. Last time I was getting time with the family and got to make my kids breakfast, baked french toast, pancakes etc.

I can suffer through these downturns.. but a lot of people affected can't. So while I enjoy the down time, other people are having financial issues due to it and are starting to really resent the protestors.

I think the blockades are backfiring as far as public sentiment goes.
Abdullah

 

[The Bread Guy]

Let the whack a mole begin ...

• "Wet'suwet'en supporters blocking West Coast Express, Vancouver port, B.C. Legislature"
• "Rail blockades add to existing backlog at B.C. ports"
• "More blockades, protests in Quebec as First Nations respond to Tyendinaga arrests"
• "Indigenous solidarity protests block Highway 6 in Caledonia, delay Hamilton GO trains"
• "GO trains halted between Aldershot and Hamilton due to Wet’suwet’en protest on tracks"

... while the Trotskyist International Marxist Tendency offers up its support/suggestions/lessons to be learned ...

... Working-class Canadians and Indigenous land defenders have the same enemy, who has the whole power of the state behind them. Our strongest weapon is solidarity. An attack against one is an attack against all. Rather than calling on the federal government to intervene, organized labour needs to take action and join the blockades in support of the Wet’suwet’en and struggle together against our common enemy. The railway workers should be joining blockades and shut down the rail network in defence of their jobs and Indigenous rights. This is the best way to defend ourselves and have our demands met.

The Ontario Federation of Labour, the BC Teachers’ Federation, CUPW, CUPE national, CUPE Ontario, UFCW and other unions have issued statements in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en. This is an excellent step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done. The leadership of the unions could learn a thing or two from these blockades. More has been achieved in two weeks of blockades – breaking the unjust laws of Canadian capitalism – than 20 years of “reconciliation”.

The unions need to begin taking similar militant action when faced with picket line injunctions and back-to-work legislation. The involvement of organized labour with the solidarity blockades in the form of mass protests and solidarity strikes would be decisive in this situation, and would ensure that the demands of workers and land defenders are met.

(...)

If and when the police or military move against the rail blockades, there will also likely be a general crackdown on all actions of protest and civil disobedience in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en. Now, more than ever, unity and solidarity are our strength in this fight. All those who stand in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en, including the trade unions, must be prepared to take decisive, militant solidarity action in order to defend Indigenous rights, defend the blockades, and to continue the fight for Indigenous rights and the interests of all working people.

(...)

Reconciliation is dead. Revolution is alive. The railways have been shut down. Now it’s the time to shut down the country, shut down the colonial legacy of Canada, and shut down capitalism.

 

[Cloud Cover]

The blockade to the CN tracks by the mill here lasted about 10 minutes before the reserve chief told the kids from Vancouver to fuck off and go home.

 

[daftandbarmy]

The blockade to the CN tracks by the mill here lasted about 10 minutes before the reserve chief told the kids from Vancouver to frig off and go home.

:rofl:

 

[mariomike]

Today,

Wet’suwet’en solidarity rail blockade setup in Toronto, Milton GO train service suspended
https://globalnews.ca/news/6595220/toronto-rail-blockade/

Toronto police could be seen at the rail site and some protesters could be seen being escorted off the tracks as several others remained.

 

[Cloud Cover]

Can dogs be used by police to end some of these? Sorry, they slipped off the leash ...

 

[The Bread Guy]

If one believes polls these days, public support seems to be slipping ....

A growing proportion of Canadians are turning sour on the blockade of key transportation corridors in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en Nation and support police intervention to end the blockades, according to a new Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of Global News.

Hereditary chiefs of the Wet'suwet'en Nation in British Columbia oppose the construction of the Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline in British Columbia, despite the project being approved by the local band councils whose territory the pipeline passes through. Protests by Indigenous peoples and their supporters have blocked project construction in BC and have also spread to other regions of the country, including blocking main rail lines that move freight and passengers. On Monday the Ontario Provincial Police moved in to end the blockade near Belleville, Ontario, but new blockades are continuing to sprout. This poll was in field ahead of that intervention.

Compared to an Ipsos/Global News poll released last week, Canadians are turning increasingly unfavourable towards the blockades, and becoming more supportive of police intervention to end them. Moreover, those who were previously unsure about the situation appear to be siding against the protests and in support of intervention.  More specifically:

    Six in ten (60%) are unfavourable (35% very/25% somewhat) towards the protests, up 11 points since last week, while 27% are favourable (11% very/17% somewhat), a decrease of 5 points. One in seven (13%) are unsure, down 7 points. Residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (71%) have the most unfavourable views, followed by those living in Alberta (63%), Quebec (60%), Atlantic Canada (59%) British Columbia (59%) and Ontario (57%).
    Nearly two in three (63%) support (35% strongly/28% somewhat) intervention by police to end the blockade of key transportation corridors by indigenous protestors, an increase of 10 points since last week. One quarter (26%) oppose (13% strongly/13% somewhat) the intervention by police to end blockades, down 2 points. Roughly one in ten (11%) are unsure, down 8 points. Support for intervention by police to end the blockades is strongest in Alberta (76%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (72%), followed by Atlantic Canada (65%), British Columbia (63%), Quebec (62%) and Ontario (58%) ....

More from Ipsos @ link

 

[ModlrMike]

Those that stand to lose the most are the Wet’suwet’en and by extension, FN in general. The latte drinking, Range Rover driving, merino wool slipper wearing professional protester will go back to their McMansion secure in the belief that they singlehandedly saved the planet. Meanwhile the FN who desperately need these development opportunities will continue to suffer the ills of socioeconomic stagnation, substance abuse and suicide. Well done self-appointed pseudo-environmental neocolonialists.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Can dogs be used by police to end some of these? Sorry, they slipped off the leash ...

I think our usual response to these types of things will suffice: everyone will ignore it after all the hype dies down... in about a week.

 

[mariomike]

Can dogs be used by police to end some of these? Sorry, they slipped off the leash ...

I'm not a lawyer. But, there might / or might not, be potential lawsuits against the taxpayers to consider,
( Depending on the circumstances, of course. )

What's a bite from an OPP police dog worth?
https://www.toronto.com/news-story/6498233-what-s-a-bite-from-an-opp-police-dog-worth-40-000/

I think our usual response to these types of things will suffice: everyone will ignore it after all the hype dies down... in about a week.

Except the lawyers, maybe. ( Depending on the circumstances, of course. )

 

[The Bread Guy]

If one believes polls these days, public support seems to be slipping ....More from Ipsos @ link

And here we have the more ...  sunshine-y read of the same numbers ...

A new Ipsos poll has found that 39% of Canadians are supportive of the blockades of key transportation corridors in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en Nation. While some commentators have said this shows a lack of support for protestors, others have pointed out the blockades received a higher percentage of support than any federal party received in the past election ...

 

[Kirkhill]

And here we have the more ...  sunshine-y read of the same numbers ...

40/60 split is enough if following Queensbury rules.

But if you are playing by Lancashire rules (Lancashire wrestling is a historic wrestling style from Lancashire in England known for its "Catch-as-catch-can", or no wrestling holds barred, style)

Then

An RUC report of 1986 estimated that the IRA had 300 or so members in Active Service Units and up to 750 active members in total in Northern Ireland.[41] This does not take into consideration the IRA units in the Republic of Ireland or those in Great Britain, continental Europe, and throughout the world. In 2005, the then Irish Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Michael McDowell told the Dáil that the organisation had "between 1,000 and 1,500" active members.[203]

According to the book The Provisional IRA (by Eamon Mallie and Patrick Bishop), roughly 8,000 people passed through the ranks of the IRA in the first 20 years of its existence, many of them leaving after arrest, "retirement" or disillusionment.[204] In later years, the IRA's strength has been somewhat weakened by members leaving the organisation to join hardline splinter groups such as the Continuity IRA and the Real IRA. According to former Irish Minister for Justice Michael McDowell, these organisations have little more than 150 members each.[203]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provisional_Irish_Republican_Army#Strength_and_support

Particularly true if, after 150 years you can count the number of each of the railways, highways, ports, pipelines, canals, powerlines on the figures of one hand.

 

[Czech_pivo]

Question - does the lighting of fires (with our without tires) on the main east-west train lines constitute as act of 'Terrorism' as defined under current Federal legislation?

Under the 2013 Via Rail Canada terrorism trial I bring forth the following: " a conspiracy to commit terrorist acts in and against Canada in the form of disruption, destruction or derailment of trains operated by Canada's national passenger railway service, Via Rail Canada."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_Via_Rail_Canada_terrorism_plot

The part about 'in the form of disruption, destruction....of trains' - one could argue that the lighting of fires on the tracks is a form 'disruption, destruction....of trains'

Thoughts? 

It would certainly fan the flames across Canada, but I'm not certain how a ISIS supporter taking a few 50 litre containers of gas, pouring it over the CN rail lines WEST of Belleville and planting an ISIS flag is much different than a bunch of guys doing the same thing EAST of Belleville and planing a Mohawk Warrior flag.  The result is the exact same - the 'disruption, destruction....of trains'