PECKFORD: Canadians should keenly watch what is now taking place since it is likely new precedents will be established that will have profound repercussions for our future

Former Newfoundland Labrador
Premier Brian Peckford

The Government, and Hereditary Chiefs, Meeting. Questions and Comments

1. Sadly we now know that breaking the law works. Can we all go out now and seek change by breaking the law?

2. Who speaks for the Indigenous people? Is it the elected chiefs or the hereditary chiefs?

3. Seems clear that right now it is the hereditary chiefs who break the law.

4. So will the hereditary chiefs insist that their consent must be obtained for any development to occur on their traditional lands?

... violating certain Canadian Laws, like injunctions, is not only condoned but significant power can be gained by those committing the crime ...

5. If they gain that power of consent it means that present Canadian law is being violated and the UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples takes precedence.

6. Right now to gain title to land and hence consent power over development an indigenous group must seek such title through the courts.

7. And even if title is granted by the court and consent is withheld for a development project, under present Canadian law, a developer has recourse to challenge that lack of consent.

Canadians should keenly watch what is now taking place since it is likely new precedents will be established that will have profound repercussions for our future. 

One has already been established ... and that is that violating certain Canadian Laws, like injunctions, is not only condoned but significant power can be gained by those committing the crime.

The proof is obvious.

The RCMP closed down their office, and the pipeline company ceased construction — two conditions that the injunction violators demanded before even a meeting could take place.

In 1972, Brian Peckford was first elected, as a Progressive Conservative, to the Newfoundland Labrador House of Assembly -- he became Premier at the age of 36, holding the leadership of his party and government from 1979 to 1989.

Since leaving politics, early in 1989, Peckford has conducted public inquires for the governments of British Columbia and Canada, has served on numerous Boards including the CBC, and has been active in public affairs. 

Since 1993, he and his wife Carol have made British Columbia their home; they now live in Parksville, on Vancouver Island. He blogs at Peckford 42.