Democracy Gone Astray

Democracy, being a human construct, needs to be thought of as directionality rather than an object. As such, to understand it requires not so much a description of existing structures and/or other related phenomena but a declaration of intentionality.
This blog aims at creating labeled lists of published infringements of such intentionality, of points in time where democracy strays from its intended directionality. In addition to outright infringements, this blog also collects important contemporary information and/or discussions that impact our socio-political landscape.

All the posts here were published in the electronic media – main-stream as well as fringe, and maintain links to the original texts.

[NOTE: Due to changes I haven't caught on time in the blogging software, all of the 'Original Article' links were nullified between September 11, 2012 and December 11, 2012. My apologies.]

Friday, April 20, 2012

Chief's new federal post raises eyebrows

The northern B.C. first nation chief who signed a controversial deal to support Enbridge's $5.5-billion oil pipeline has been appointed by the federal government to the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

As a director of the board, Gitxsan hereditary chief Elmer Derrick will receive payment, although it is not clear exactly how much.

"It's a strange appointment. It raises the possibility it's a quid pro quo for supporting the pipeline," said NDP Skeena-Bulk-ley Valley MP Nathan Cullen, whose riding includes a large stretch of the Northern Gateway pipeline route.

Cullen noted that Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government is a supporter of the pipeline, meant to open up new markets in Asia for crude from the Alberta oilsands.

When Derrick, who is the chief negotiator with the Gitxsan Treaty Office, announced he had signed a pipe-line ownership deal with Enbridge that would provide $7 million over a 30-year period, it sparked an immediate battle with other leaders in the community who said they don't sup-port the project.

In the face of the opposition to the deal from dozens of Gitxsan hereditary chiefs, Enbridge pulled out of the ownership agreement.

The 1,173-kilometre pipeline - which is in the midst of federal review - traverses dozens of first nations' traditional territory on its route from Alberta to Kitimat on B.C.'s northwest coast. The Gitxsan were the only first nation in B.C. to support the project.

Derrick could not be reached for comment.

Transport Minister Denis Lebel announced Derrick's appointment this week. "His vast experience and knowledge in business development and aboriginal affairs will be valuable assets to the [port] authority," Lebel said in a statement.

The federal government noted Derrick has a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Alberta and a bachelor's degree in political science.

He had also served as a volunteer co-chair of the Northwest Power Coalition, which lobbied the provincial and federal government to extend BC Hydro's power grid along Highway 37 in northern B.C.

That project is now underway.

Derrick has also sat on the board of directors of the federal Crown corporation Ridley Terminals, located in Prince Rupert.

Transport Canada officials pointed to payment ranges for sitting on boards that range from $200 to $550 per day, but said they were prevented from providing more specific information on Derrick's pay because it would violate privacy rules.

The Gitxsan Nation is located about 280 kilometres west of Prince Rupert, which is not within their traditional territory.

Original Article
Source: vancouver sun
Author: Gordon Hoekstra

No comments:

Post a Comment