BUSINESS, INDIGENOUS, AND COMMUNITY LEADERS call for a return to order, the free movement of goods and people, and a commitment to certainty and future prosperity

Vancouver, March 5, 2020: A growing chorus of business, Indigenous and community leaders are calling for a commitment to certainty and future prosperity following weeks of economic disruption.

Rail blockades and challenges with respect to numerous significant infrastructure projects representing billions of dollars of investment are symptoms of very serious problems requiring urgent action.

Chief Joe Alphonse Tsilhqot’in National Government
Tribal Chair, and one of those signing the statement

Blockades have caused havoc and uncertainty in people’s lives, relationships and supply chains and have negatively affected a quarter of Canada’s small business owners.

More broadly, uncertainty about the timeliness of decision making around major projects and whether decisions, once made, count for anything has become a serious problem. Billions of dollars that could have supported well-paying jobs, reconciliation for all Canadians, and the means to improve Indigenous and non-Indigenous health care, education and other important social goals have been sacrificed.

Compromise and common purpose are key to the functioning of democracy. We must continue to build an inclusive economy and society for all Canadians—and cannot allow a handful of uncompromising minority voices to undermine this collective progress.

Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders have had considerable success working toward economic reconciliation. Events of the past few weeks clearly demonstrates that more needs to be done.

Greg D’Avignon, President and CEO,
Business Council of British Columbia

Now is the time for all Canadians to stand together to build a modern, competitive, sustainable country –one which continues economic reconciliation with Indigenous people; one which balances economic growth with environmental protection by providing a practical, realistic and achievable regulatory framework; and, one which promotes an inclusive and prosperous society based on respect for all Canadians.

This must begin with strong leadership by federal and provincial authorities to restore order without further delay. It continues with a strong focus on the foundations required of a modern economy, including ensuring clear pathways for projects to get to timely decisions that can be respected.

We encourage those interested who support this message to share it, and endorse it on the Confidence In Canada website: www.confidenceincanada.com

Signatories to this statement include nearly three dozen business, First Nations, as well as municipal leaders.  CLICK HERE to read the comments and quotes of those leaders