British Columbia Conservative leader John Cummins came to Salmon Arm’s Holiday Inn May 24 to share his views on where British Columbia’s future should head.
One of these views involved issues surrounding First Nations.
“Aboriginal rights have to be dealt with and have to be dealt with firmly,” he told the audience of approximately 20 people.
Cummins explained how he has sent a letter to Prime Minister Steven Harper explaining his dissatisfaction with Bill C-38.
According to Cummins, this new bill will make fish the property of the federal environment minister. This will give them the authority to use fishing to fund Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Cummins is opposed to this idea, saying “fish have always been the property of the people, not the Crown.”
Cummins maintains this change will not only allow First Nations to fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes, which they are already authorized to do, but also to “earn a moderate living.”
“Where does it stop? It doesn’t,” he said.
Cummins worries First Nations bands will over-fish, making it impossible for others. “Where is the room for everyone else?” asked Cummins, “There isn’t any.”
This is why he is urging Harper to rethink the legislation.
“[The BC Conservatives] think Harper is doing a great job… but we need to look after B.C.”
Cummins believes B.C. can boost its economy through utilizing more of our natural resources and cashing in on other opportunities.
“If the pipelines go through British Columbia, we will have to get something in return,” said Cummins, “Alberta will have to share the wealth.”
“Whatever the risk that is there, we need to make sure it is worthwhile for us,” said Cummins.
Cummins says that Bill C-38 will also water down environmental assessments, something he does not agree with.
At the same time, Cummins stressed the need to proceed with large-scale industrial projects.
“We need to stop stalling, we need to keep it moving, we need to create the jobs that will keep the people here,” said Cummins. “We need it, we need to grow the economy, we need to create jobs.”
“The Liberal government will have you believe that they are small-business friendly but they are not,” said Cummins, maintaining they cause more harm than good.
Cummins also wants to do away with the B.C. treaty process.
He says the powers that be should stop acting like aboriginal peoples really hold any titles, and move ahead on projects without consulting them.
“We should all just be people of Canada,” he said. “We should all have equal rights.”
