First Nations Delay Upcoming BC Hydro Project

B.C. Hydro, a Canadian electric utility company, plans to construct a hydroelectric generating station on the Peace River in northern British Columbia. Although BC Hydro proposes that the new generating station is necessary for the region’s growing population, the First Nations residing in the area strongly disagree. The First Nations argues that the new infrastructure on the river will affect their traditional everyday practices such as fishing or religious ceremonies.

Relating to a PESTLE analysis, the dominant aspects in this scenario are the environmental, political, legal, and economic factors. The environmental factor is within the eco-sustainability of the Peace River for the First Nations to continuing practicing their nature-bound traditions. The political factor is the B.C. government’s ability to build an efficient hydroelectric generating station while compromising with the First Nations Laws and Treaties. Lastly, the economic factor is the the opportunity to provide new jobs to the residents of Peace River while generating revenue for the government.

However, these cases of the First Nations people intruding on corporation projects are not new. Another significant and recent example of First Nations practices blocking corporation growth is the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline, where they protested against the potential damage the project would have on the environment. As I see it, the First Nations will continue to protest against all projects that may negatively affect the environment which in the end, will stunt Canada’s economic growth since most of our key resources lay within the environment.

Sources:

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/First+Nation+chiefs+stage+Site+showdown/10215965/story.html

http://pestleanalysis.com/pest-analysis/