The Nova Scotia government’s intent to make it illegal to block forest access roads on Crown lands is being dismissed as heavy-handed and an attempt to ignore Mi’kmaq rights.
Several presenters spoke out in opposition today during an appearance before the legislature’s public bills committee hearing on the Protecting Nova Scotians Act.
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The omnibus bill includes proposed changes to the Crown Lands Act that would impose a $50,000 fine and/or six months in jail for protests or individuals who ignore protest camp removal orders.
Michelle Paul, a Mi’kmaq water protector and land defender, told the committee the bill was written without consultation or consideration of treaty rights and should be withdrawn.
Paul says the law shouldn’t be aimed at demonstrations such as the ongoing one at Hunter’s Mountain in Cape Breton, where she says people are simply concerned about the local ecosystem and moose population.
Leitha Haysom, a former councillor with the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, says any move that would criminalize peaceful protest is “dangerous and destructive.”
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