N.S. Mi’kmaw chiefs call for meeting with premier over perceived ‘unilateral decisions’

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston speaks with reporters in Halifax. (Callum Smith/CTV News Atlantic)

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs is calling for an immediate meeting with Premier Tim Houston over the recent omnibus bills they say have “hidden agendas to stifle the voices of our Nation.”

On Friday, the fall sitting of the House of Assembly wrapped up following the Progressive Conservatives introducing and passing numerous legislative pieces like the Making Business Easier Act and the Protecting Nova Scotians Act.

The Assembly, which met for two days at a treaty education conference last week, said the province was “making unilateral decisions” with the new legislation.

“The Assembly wants to make clear that, as the Rightful owners of these lands and resources, other levels of government need to understand that the Mi’kmaq also have a jurisdiction over how their territory is used,” a statement from the group reads. “The Assembly is deeply concerned about how Minister Leah Martin and her department believe they can speak on behalf of the Mi’kmaw Nation, and how Premier Houston and his government is changing things for the convenience of government yet ignores processes long-established with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia.

“They feel all Nova Scotians should be frustrated that this government is circumventing systems built with the Mi’kmaq to push through changes legislative or otherwise to make things easier for them but ignoring any responsibility to the environment.”

Martin, the minister responsible for L’nu Affairs, said she remains committed to supporting Mi’kmaw communities and growing the economy.

“That includes recognizing Mi’kmaw as Nova Scotia’s original language and developing a strategy to revitalize it within our communities,” she said in a written statement. “We’ve also worked well with the Mi’kmaq to help protect the province’s moose population.

“Through disagreements and difficult conversations, I remain committed to these relationships.”

In a separate written statement, Houston said he was surprised by the “aggressive tone” of the Assembly’s news release. He said he has not heard from any chief, but he is willing to work through any disagreements.

“The legislation applies to all Nova Scotians equally,” he said. “Yes, it’s illegal to block public roads. I think most Nova Scotians would agree with that.

“I will say that Minister Martin is an excellent person and Minister and I am proud that she agreed to serve as a member of my Cabinet.”

During the fall sitting, the Assembly noted that certain legislative amendments seem to target protest activity on Crown land. They also noted that possible red tape cuts cater to industry and seemingly ignores the recommendations they made to the Legislative Standing Committee in May.

“These measures only risks eroding Consultation and shortens timeframes available for discussions to take place in good faith with the Mi’kmaq,” a previous news release from the Assembly read.

CTV News Atlantic has reached out to the Assembly for further comment.

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