This government's lack of concern for First Nations issues here in Canada and in BC in particular, is apparent in their attitude of disdain for international First Nations rights.
Upon our return last week from Hawaii, my wife and I were upset to read in the April 7th, 2015 edition of the Citizen that Prime Minister Steven Harper's government was providing up to $243.5 million of our tax dollars towards the construction of the "Thirty Metre Telescope" project to be located on the summit of Hawaii's Mauna Kea.
We are not opposed to spending money on science-related projects per se, especially since the Canadian scientific community has experienced cutbacks in funding over this government's tenure.
We were driving up to Mauna Kea when we encountered a protest/information station hosted by members of Hawaii's indigenous peoples. They were forthcoming with their concerns and opposition to further developments on their sacred mountain. Years of uncontrolled development on the mountain, contrary to legislation, has been at the expense of natural and cultural resources that have been lost, desecrated and destroyed. We did not proceed past this point. After a good hour of discussion about their situation and the similar situations here in BC with regard to pipelines and First Nations issues, we left. Shortly afterward we heard that the police had moved in and arrested them, even though this was a peaceful protest. I see similarities to Bill C-51.
I also wonder if the "precision-steel enclosure" to be built in B.C. will also require USA purchased steel like the Prince Rupert ferry terminal redo?
Dick Gilbert
Prince George
