SAINT JOHN – Blockades on behalf of the Wet’suwet’en people are concerning businesses in the city.
Saint John’s Chamber of Commerce CEO David Duplisea said shutting down export and import shipping lines are having a serious impact.
“Any time that anything happens that delays the transportation of goods and people, then it is going to affect us,” he said.
Duplisea said the province is export-dependent, and business is being affected by Wet’suwet’en protests. He said because of population within the province, it’d be difficult to support an import market.
“We do also have railway and highway and trucking as well so all of them are affected by stoppages along the route.”
Duplisea said the chamber of commerce is keeping a close eye on the blockades because their membership is being impacted.
“All of those schedules are thrown out of whack and people have to look for alternative ways to get the products (they need),” he said.
Duplisea said he’s been hearing of layoffs in different ports, hubs, and railways.
“Layoffs are starting across the country, we’re hoping that doesn’t start to tie into the manufacturing sector, but that probably will be next,” he said.
Duplisea said the federal government should show leadership by coming to a speedy and peaceful resolution in a safe and respectful manner.
Blockades began on February 6th after a failure in meetings between the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs and the province of British Columbia, also involving Coastal GasLink and elected band council chiefs.
Protests and blockades have spread across the country in support of the Wet’suwet’en Nation, to draw attention to indigenous issues such as clean drinking water.
Stephanie Sirois is a news reporter with CHSJ/Country 94, a Huddle content partner.
https://huddle.today/chamber-of-commerce-concerned-cn-rail-shutdown-impacting-shipping-lines/
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Chamber Of Commerce Concerned CN Rail Shutdown Impacting Shipping Lines
Thursday, February 20, 2020
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Business Truth & Reconciliation
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is taking proactive steps to promote reconciliation and respect for Indigenous rights within the corporate sector. In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 92, the Chamber urges its members to embrace the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a guiding framework. This entails a commitment to meaningful consultation, fostering respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before embarking on economic projects. Moreover, the Chamber advocates for equitable access to employment, training, and educational opportunities for Indigenous communities, ensuring they reap sustainable benefits from economic development initiatives.
Recognizing the importance of education, the Chamber encourages businesses to provide comprehensive training for management and staff on the history of Indigenous peoples, including the legacy of residential schools, Indigenous rights, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. Emphasizing intercultural competency, conflict resolution, and anti-racism, these efforts aim to foster a more inclusive and harmonious corporate environment rooted in mutual understanding and respect.
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