In reaction to yesterday’s announcement by the British Columbia NDP and Green parties that, if they form an alliance government, they would send the Site C megaproject for review by the independent BC Utilities Commission, Amnesty International Canada’s Indigenous Rights Campaigner, Craig Benjamin, said:
“Amnesty International firmly opposes continued construction of the Site C dam, which has been undertaken without the free, prior and informed consent of affected First Nations and in blatant disregard for Canada’s stated commitment to uphold the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” said Benjamin. “We are encouraged by yesterday’s announcement by the BC NDP and Green parties that they would refer the project for further study before the BC Utilities Commission. It is becoming clear that the increasingly disputed merits of this project cannot possibly justify the irreversible negative impact on First Nations cultural practices, livelihoods and sacred sites or the uprooting of multi-generational farming families from the Peace River Valley. It’s imperative that immediate action be taken to avoid irreparable harm to the Peace Valley, and the rights of those who live there, while waiting for the outcome of the promised BC Utilities Commission review.”
For further background, Craig Benjamin has published an article on recent developments around Site C HERE.
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For more information contact Elizabeth Berton-Hunter, Media Relations 416-363-9933 ext 332 bberton-hunter@amnesty.ca
