Pipeline Magister Ludi Prentice Ups the Ante
According to today's Globe and Mail, "Gavin Fitch, an environmental law specialist who was Mr. Prentice's former law partner in Calgary, replaces Tim Koepke, a long-time federal negotiator, at a table to restart treaty talks with the Kaska Nation in northern B.C. and Yukon." Could this have something to do with Mr. Prentice's real file, namely to get oil and gas pipelines through. Mr. Fitch's credentials, according to his firm's website, include:
"Focuses on environmental and regulatory law in the oil and gas industry
Experienced in conflicts between the oil and gas industry and surface landowners and contaminated land cases."
And looks like he might just be American, at the very least American educated: "Holds an M.A. in communications (Syracuse University, 1985), a B.A. from the University of Alberta (1984) and a Bachelor of Laws degree (Dalhousie Law School, 1991)". Needless to say he's from Calgary.
How transparent.
At the same time, First Nations in the region are rallying to pull out of treaty talks because they know they're being had. I wonder if Fitch's legal experience will help him defend the government in the law suits being filed against it because it has failed to engage in the "meaningful consultation with First Nations" required by law. Or maybe the government will just stack the courts and change the law.
One way or another this government is all about oil and gas and making the US happy.
"Focuses on environmental and regulatory law in the oil and gas industry
Experienced in conflicts between the oil and gas industry and surface landowners and contaminated land cases."
And looks like he might just be American, at the very least American educated: "Holds an M.A. in communications (Syracuse University, 1985), a B.A. from the University of Alberta (1984) and a Bachelor of Laws degree (Dalhousie Law School, 1991)". Needless to say he's from Calgary.
How transparent.
At the same time, First Nations in the region are rallying to pull out of treaty talks because they know they're being had. I wonder if Fitch's legal experience will help him defend the government in the law suits being filed against it because it has failed to engage in the "meaningful consultation with First Nations" required by law. Or maybe the government will just stack the courts and change the law.
One way or another this government is all about oil and gas and making the US happy.
posted by Susan at 7:29 AM
2 Comments:
Very interesting, the Kaska are primarily affected by the proposed Alaska Pipeline, may be an alternative to the flailing Mackenize Valley, Gateway, and Pembina pipelines, just to name a few that are in jeopardy thanks to First Nations unwillingness to allow their territories to be used as super highways of oil and gas feeding big foreign markets. Prentice needs to show all the big oil companies that he is really "in charge".
This is disgraceful. I know Gavin Fitch. His entire law practice is built taking on oil companies. Suggesting that he is in their pocket is risible and disgusting on your part.
Post a Comment
<< Home