In the Vancouver Sun’s article regarding the First Nations attempts at swaying the government to reject BC Hydro’s hydroelectric project, we can easily comply with both sides of the story – making it a difficult debate. On one side, the dam that BC Hydro hopes to construct impairs the First Nation’s traditional ceremonial rituals as well as greatly affecting the local wildlife. However, conversely, the region’s oil, gas and mining industries require the hydroelectricity to improve their efficiency and ultimately reduce their carbon foot print. This leaves the debate open to even further dispute by sparking environmental activists to choose sides and provide their input as well. This struggle to seek compromise made me think of the B.C Teacher Strike that occurred over the past year that also attracted the attention of China’s government. The feuding parties were clearly the teacher’s union and the government who needed to come to a compromise. It just goes to show that when two parties need to figure out an arrangement, the repercussions go far beyond the two positions. Complying to the opposing side’s needs and desires is definitely no easy feat to overcome yet it’s extremely prominent in the business world dealing with partnerships of all sorts. This undoubtedly exposes how essential it is for businesses to possess flexibility and a strong foundation because it really reflects on its morality and ethics.
Vancouver Sun:
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/First+Nation+chiefs+stage+Site+showdown/10215965/story.html
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/school+shutdown+China+concerned/10193719/story.html