More Broken Promises

As a Christian citizen of conscience in this marvelous country of Canada I could not vote for a return of the Liberal party in last Fall's federal election. As with millions of other Canadians I chose one of the other parties which claimed to take environmental issues, particularly the climate crisis, seriously. I say claimed because the Libs were so earnest about climate change four years earlier but failed to deliver in so many respects. The day Trudeau and company announced the purchase of am aging crude oil pipeline for billions of dollars, then promised the expansion of Trans Mountain, I decided I couldn't vote for the Liberals again.

This expansion has now been cleared to proceed in the courts but there is still strong opposition, including amongst several First Nations. This is not the only fossil fuel project which has received a go-ahead despite claims of sovereignty by Indigenous groups in British Columbia. Both the federal and and BC governments "talk the talk" of environmental care and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples but their actions suggest otherwise. 

The United Church of Canada has spoken truth to power through a letter from Moderator Richard Bott to Prime Minister Trudeau and while our efforts may seem futile it is important to voice concerns. It is also essential that we pray without ceasing, including prayers for the safety of those who are peacefully protesting on hereditary lands and may be forcibly removed . There is a growing impatience about the ineffectiveness of peaceful protest and I hope that this doesn't lead to violence. 

Slowly we are realizing the connection between Indigenous land stewardship and environmental protection, but governments are tuning out for political expediency.

Here is a portion of the prayer which accompanies the United Church letter regarding the  Wet’suwet’en First Nation 

 We speak, God of all Creation— but are they just pretty words? 
Words like “right relations” and “reconciliation,”
 like “consultation” and “rights-based legislation.” 
But, when push came to shove on the unceded lands of the Wet’suwet’en, 
actions showed willingness to use force over conversation— 
legalism over discussion— Settler rules over Indigenous lives. 
Open our hearts with truth to the fact that these actions give lie to our words. 
Open our minds with wisdom,
 that the leaders of the governments of Canada and British Columbia
 would stop the relentless move forward; 
that they would stop the destruction, stop the imposition of will...