Crown lands bill would criminalize peaceful protests, critics say

The Nova Scotia government’s proposed legislation to make it illegal to block forest access roads on Crown lands has sparked controversy and opposition, with critics calling it heavy-handed and a violation of Mi’kmaw rights.
During a recent appearance before the legislature’s public bills committee hearing on the Protecting Nova Scotians Act, several presenters spoke out against the bill. The omnibus bill includes amendments to the Crown Lands Act, imposing hefty fines and possible jail time for those who protest or ignore protest camp removal orders.
Mi’kmaw water protector and land defender Michelle Paul expressed her concerns about the lack of consultation and consideration of treaty rights in the bill. She emphasized that the legislation should be withdrawn, as it fails to recognize the rights of Indigenous peoples.
"It’s not lost upon us that this bill is being rushed through on the eve of Treaty Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation," said Paul. "This government has shown a disregard and a lack of respect to push this through during this time."
The legislation has also faced criticism from the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs, who denounced the lack of prior notice or discussion about the bill. They emphasized the need for greater trust-building with the Mi’kmaq community, rather than escalating tensions with aggressive enforcement actions.
Tuma Wilson, a professor at Acadia University and participant in the Hunters Mountain demonstration, highlighted the inherent rights of the Mi’kmaq people to be on the land. He suggested that the Crown Lands Act should be amended to reflect the collaborative efforts of Indigenous communities and the government in protecting the land.
Leitha Haysom, a former councillor with the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, raised concerns about the criminalization of peaceful protests and the government’s disregard for meaningful engagement with citizens. She argued that if safety were a genuine concern, logging operations should be paused during protests.
Haysom urged the government to reconsider the changes to the Crown Lands Act and engage in meaningful discussions with Nova Scotians about forest management. She emphasized the importance of preserving the rights of all citizens and promoting collaborative efforts to protect the province’s resources.
The ongoing debate surrounding the Protecting Nova Scotians Act highlights the need for a balanced approach to land management that respects Indigenous rights and fosters meaningful dialogue between the government and its citizens.
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