Feds to overhaul, streamline process for siding with industry, trampling Indigenous rights

February 9, 2018

The Liberal government said it is scrapping the National Energy Board and overhauling environmental assessments for major projects like mines, dams and pipelines, a move that will streamline the process of steamrolling Indigenous rights.

“No more waiting years to hear from First Nations over projects only to ignore their concerns,” Environment Minister Catherine McKenna told reporters in Ottawa Thursday.

“Now we can quickly hear from First Nations and even more quickly override those concerns.”

McKennna also said new legislation will include a Try Really, Really Hard to Keep in Line with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) clause as well as a Please Don’t Hate Us When We Inevitably Side With Industry and Ultimately Disappoint First Nations clause.