The relationship between businesses, First Nations, and the government is a broken one. This has recently come to light again as Site C – a proposed hydroelectricity station/dam on Peace River – is triggering discontent. The poor relationship between the groups likely comes from not understanding each others’ values:
Protests Against Site C. Image Source: Aboriginal Multi-Media Society
All businesses, including BC Hydro, aim to maximize profits. By building Site C, they are capitalizing on demands for hydroelectricity.
The First Nations communities see the dam as a threat disturbing fishing practises and leading to environmental degradation. For the Aboriginals, community comes first. They aren’t against economic development, but it CANNOT happen unless they benefit from job creation and the environment remains unharmed.
The government wants to fulfill promises of these energy megaprojects, but its method of paying off Aboriginals isn’t working because that’s not what they value. Disturbing Aboriginal way of life will only add to existing friction and create barriers for businesses in these areas of a PESTLE:
- Political/Legal: Supreme Court enacted laws and regulations barring projects
- Social: Detrimental media attention/social attitudes; Canadians sympathize with First Nations
- Environmental: First Nations are STRONGLY committed to protecting the environment
The only way for businesses like BC Hydro to be able to go forward with their Site C Project and to win against external threats is for all three parties to mutually benefit. It’s hard to do that though when they all have varying definitions of “benefit”.
References:
Articles/Text Hyperlinks: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/
First+Nation+chiefs+stage+Site+showdown/10215965/story.html
Image Source: http://www.ammsa.com/sites/default/files/articles/article-photos/p5-site_c.jpg?1387472840
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