Coronavirus. Wet’suwet’en heraditary chiefs activities slow down and Export Development Canada consider a loan to Coastal GasLink

The solidarity movement activities with the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs has slow down in recent days because of coronavirus in Canada. Earlier in March a federal Crown corporation, Export Development Canada (EDC) has consider a loan to Coastal GasLink.

If Export Development Canada (EDC) issues the loan, it will in effect be subsidizing an extremely profitable and powerful company for a pipeline project that, as currently designed, violates the rights and jurisdiction of the Wet’suwet’en Nation. (Ricochet)

Why would EDC support a contentious project that has generated significant civil unrest across the country? Wet’suwet’en traditional leaders evicted Coastal GasLink workers from their territory, citing their title and opposition to the project. Land defenders set up blockades to protect the land. Coastal GasLink sought and received an injunction from the B.C. Supreme Court. (Ricochet)

The RCMP enforced the injunction by dismantling barricades and arresting land defenders. Solidarity actions across Canada have blocked legislatures, highways, bridges and rail lines. Court and police actions undertaken on Coastal GasLink’s behalf should also be counted as subsidies — public funds are being used to support a private company. (Ricochet)

Many Canadians supports government subsidization of private companies. Before these decision are  made, Canadians must understand the meaning and effect on future generation. The federal government is acting like it doesn’t take its own climate emergency declaration seriously. Hopefully will get interesting development on March 30th when the Federal budget will be tabled.

Meanwhile the Board of Directors of the Wet’suwet’en Treaty Office/Office of the Wet’suwet’en has come to a consensus for the immediate shut down of the Office of the Wet’suwet’en public facilities until COVID-19 health threat passes commencing Friday, March 20, 2020.

The Wet’suwet’en public facilities have cancelled all community and clan meetings during this period.

The Board asks all staff and Wet’suwet’en members to be diligent with your health and wellness during this difficult time, and encourage all to incorporate practices to slow the spread of this disease. In addition, they encourage everyone to practice social distancing but make efforts to check in with family, loved ones and elders.