For every business, there exist factors from the macro environment that can possibly affect its performance. In Canada, one such factor is the ‘Aboriginal factor’. Being an international student, I wasn’t too familiar about this segment of the population, and hence did not comprehend the impact of their influence. Upon my own research, I learnt that the land we now inhabit was ancestrally owned by these various communities ; each community having its own heritage. I realized then the level of importance for displaying consideration for these communities.
A recent widely-debated project involving aboriginals is the multi-billion dollar oil pipelines project by Enbridge, a Calgary-based company. This proposed project crosses over 25% of traditional territory and the community that belong to these lands feel that economic benefit is not worth the risk of a spill on their waterways. While I understand that the aboriginals have their fears about the project, I find it hypocritical that they outrightly reject the proposal while they have already shown business interest by involving themselves in other business related activities.
Source: cbc.ca
I would support Enbridge for the reason that they have promised to meet 199 conditions regarding the pipleline’s inspections and its effect on the environment. Also, I believe Enbridge is taking a step forward in the field of ‘Corporate Shared Value’. It is meeting its social responsibility of creating employment opportunities for society while also achieving its own objective of expanding its markets to Asia.
Sources:
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/There+will+pipeline/10122968/story.html
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/northern-gateway-pipelin-project-6-things-to-know-1.2469561