N.S. Mi’kmaw chiefs say they should have been consulted on natural resources legislation
The Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs have once again raised concerns over Premier Tim Houston’s lack of consultation as the provincial government pushes forward with a new focus on natural resource development. In a letter addressed to Houston, the chiefs criticized the premier for not engaging with the assembly before introducing legislation that could potentially allow for fracking for onshore natural gas and lift a ban on uranium exploration and mining.
Chief Carol Potter, Chief Cory Julian, and Chief Tamara Young expressed their strong opposition to hydraulic fracturing and uranium mining, stating that it is unacceptable for the government to expedite natural resource extraction without considering the impact on the environment and their treaty rights. They emphasized the importance of consultation, compensation, and mitigation for any developments that could affect their unceded lands.
The proposed changes are part of Bill 6, an omnibus legislation currently under debate at Province House. Premier Houston has been vocal about the need to leverage natural resources to strengthen Nova Scotia’s economy in the face of economic challenges, including tariffs imposed by the United States government. The chiefs stressed that while they support ethical and well-planned development that respects their rights, rushing through legislative changes under the guise of being ‘open for business’ undermines their voices and rights.
Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton assured reporters that consultations with the Mi’kmaw Chiefs would be a priority for every development project in the province. He acknowledged the urgency to address the economic impact of the Trump administration’s tariffs and reiterated the government’s commitment to engaging with Indigenous leaders.
Opposition leaders, including NDP Leader Claudia Chender and Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette, condemned the lack of consultation with the Mi’kmaq community before tabling Bill 6. They emphasized the need to respect Indigenous knowledge and history in decision-making processes to establish social license for resource projects.
The chiefs had previously raised concerns about consultation ahead of the legislative session, signaling the government’s intentions to focus on natural resource development. Premier Houston’s attendance at a conference in Toronto to promote mining opportunities further underscored the government’s commitment to resource extraction.
In a separate announcement, the Natural Resources Department revealed plans to utilize federal funding for projects exploring the extraction of critical minerals from new and existing sites. This initiative aims to assess the potential of critical minerals in the province, including historic mine tailings sites, to support sustainable resource development.
The ongoing dialogue between the Mi’kmaw Chiefs and the provincial government highlights the importance of meaningful consultation and collaboration in shaping policies that impact Indigenous lands and rights. As the debate over natural resource development continues, the need for inclusive decision-making processes remains paramount for building trust and fostering sustainable development in Nova Scotia.
