VICTORIA, B.C. – B.C. Green Party interim leader Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich-North and the Islands and a member of Tsartlip First Nation, has released the following statement on the confirmation that the Wet’suwet’en clans have completed their review of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Provincial and Federal governments to affirm and implement their title and rights.
“I raise my hands in gratitude for the important work of the Wet’suwet’en people over generations and the Federal and Provincial governments in recent months to advance the rights and title in Wet’suwet’en territory. It’s been over 30 years since the Delgamuukw/Gisday’wa case began and I am heartened that there have finally been these positive steps toward resolution.
“The B.C. Green Caucus believes in open, honest dialogue in order to achieve peaceful resolutions. Doing the hard work of reconciliation means building trust and relationships, and we are happy to see all parties come to the table in good faith and with an open mind. It has not been an easy journey and we will always work toward a future where these relationships are built on mutual respect and recognition.
“The B.C. Green caucus remains steadfast in its opposition to the Coastal Gaslink pipeline and LNG Canada project, as reaffirmed repeatedly last spring when we voted against the B.C. NDP and B.C. Liberals as they worked together to advance the project with billions in public subsidy. It is riskier than ever to be investing in the fossil fuel industry at a time when we see the impacts of climate change escalating and fossil fuel prices plummet.
“What we invest in coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic will set the direction for the coming decade. We need to be making investments that create secure jobs by acting on climate change, and building a sustainable economy that works for everyone, all underpinned by the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).”
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Media contact
JoJo Beattie
Acting Press Secretary
B.C. Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | [email protected]