Dasiqox Tribal Park

Even though sustainable development is of great interest to large businesses across Canada, it is alarming that many companies are still engaging in destructive business practices like deforestation. According to an article posted on rabble.ca, Canada is the world’s leading nation in terms of overall deforestation, with 21% of all global forest loss taking place in Canada since 2000.

The scale of deforestation in Canada reveals that conservation efforts are becoming more unattractive. This issue is exacerbated by rising development in many Canadian industries, such as oil and gas. However, businesses need to ask themselves if the ends justify the means. Even though land development offers new opportunities for profit, companies need to consider the lasting consequences of their decisions. For instance, the land for Dasiqox Tribal Park, aimed to protect “cultural, heritage and ecological values,” includes the site of a mine proposed by Taseko Mines Ltd. By engaging in a long-winded dispute concerning the use of this territory, Taseko is wasting valuable time and resources on a proposal that might not even get approved. By damaging the natural habitat, wildlife becomes endangered and the cultural and historical significance of the area gets compromised. Given these external factors, Taseko needs to decide if this project is really worth the high cost that comes with it.

However, I believe businesses should take advantage of the new opportunities presented by these external factors. For instance, Taseko could offer employment and infrastructure for First Nations groups in the area. By forging these new relationships, Taseko and these aboriginal groups could find common ground that benefits both parties.

Sources:

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/metro/Unilateral+park+declared+Tsilhqot+includes+Prosperity+mine/10192766/story.html (includes image)

http://rabble.ca/columnists/2014/10/canada-now-worlds-leading-deforestation-nation