Mikmaq Senator stalls controversial federal legislation

As the federal One Economy Act is expected to be read for the third time Thursday in the Senate, Mi’kmaq Sen. Paul Prosper is proposing an amendment that reinforces environmental protections, and inserts “free prior and informed consent. Legislatively known as Bill C-5, the proposed law does two key things. It removes interprovincial trade barriers but also creates the government’s ability to fast-track large-scale infrastructure and energy projects—such as mines, pipelines, ports, highways, and nuclear facilities. If such a project is deemed to be in the national interest by the federal cabinet, it would proceed through a streamlined “single window” process, overseen by a federal minister. Cabinet would have broad authority to allow such projects to bypass regulatory hurdles. Indigenous leaders have also criticized the bill for not including a non-derogation clause and for weak commitments to the United Nation Declaration on Indigenous rights. “We are now asked to vote on a bill that has changed substantially. Colleagues, we have no ability to hear from witnesses as to the potential repercussions or unintended consequences of these amendments,” Prosper told the Senate. “We also have not given any real time for First Nations to analyze these amendments and see how they address their concerns.” Prosper added that the Senate was also under pressure to pass the Bill without amendments. “Now, we are too far gone for C-5 to be developed in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples, but there is still an opportunity to ensure that this bill is amended in such a way that we embed our right to free, prior and informed consent in this legislation,” he said. More to come. Continue Reading