Federal liaison tasked with finding common ground for a deal

The federal government’s appointment of Robert S. Plecas comes with a three month window to find solutions to the Fairview Port controversy that will assist local First Nations to benefit economically from the development.

The Daily News provided further details on the appointment of Mr. Plecas and the reaction and expectations from it.


ALL PARTIES EAGER TO GET ON WITH CONTAINER PORT TALKS
Feds appoint liaison who is charged with working out a deal all can support
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Monday, June 4, 2007
Pages one and three

The federal government has appointed a special representative to assist in its discussions with First Nations on the Fairview Container Terminal project.

On Friday, the Ministries of Transport, Indian Affairs and Northern Development and International Trade announced Robert S. Plecas has been given three months to work toward solutions that will ensure First Nations benefit economically from the development of the container terminal and that there are no black marks on the track record of Canada’s newest gateway.

“I know Mr. Plecas to be a person who is capable of cutting a deal and moving files forward rather than having a wheel-spinning exercise,” said David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway.

“That’s really critical for Prince Rupert because right now Prince Rupert has enormous goodwill in the international community, it’s seen as a new port, a blank page.

“What we have to avoid at all costs is allowing Prince Rupert to build a reputation for a lack of reliability.”

The announcement came on the same day the coast Tsmishian – Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla, received a decision from the federal court of Canada granting them the right to further challenge the Ministry of Transport’s decision to authorize construction of Phase 1.

The judge granted the Coast Tsmishian leave to file a judicial review of the decision, but also suggested the parties return to the negotiating table.

The Coast Tsmishian argued last year that the ministry should not have authorized construction because consultation and accommodation were inadequate – government’s position at the time was that they only had to consult about the new portion of the dock, not the construction taking place on the existing terminal.

Given the frustration of the two bands, last month they announced they would not allow Phase 1 to commence operations unless an agreement was reached.

On Friday, chief councillor’s Gary Reece and Harold Leighton welcomed the court’s decision and said they were willing to return to the negotiating table.

“We are willing to meet the federal government half way; we are prepared to meet in a proper process, and work together to find a fair solution that is respectful of our interests,” said chief councilors Gary Reece and Harold Leighton.

Emerson, who met with First Nations leaders two months ago, said the decision to appoint Plecas is a result of the desires expressed at that meeting and not the recent court case.

However, he was not surprised at the level of antagonism and animosity that has been noted in the courtroom discussions surrounding the issue. And, in his experience within softwood lumber and commercial disputes, he added, legal avenues most often gobble up enormous amounts of money and provide little progress.

“If you are relying on lawyers to do your business for you, you are in serious, serious trouble, he said.

“I am hoping all parties can work constructively to bring this to a conclusion that will benefit the communities of the North and First Nations.”

He said First Nations need to be part of the wealth and job creation that comes from this development, not only now but in the future.

Working with the local First Nations communities, Plecas will look at their outstanding concerns regarding Phase 1 of the Fairview Container Terminal project, including employment and training, business opportunities, and financial considerations. He will also identify issues and protocols for Phase II of the project.

Plecas will submit his recommendations to the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities within 90 days.

Plecas is a government relations consultant and the former president of the B. C. Lumber Trade Council.

He worked for more than 20 years as a civil servant in the British Columbia provincial government. He served under six premiers, as deputy minister for 25 ministers in 10 portfolios. He is the author of more than 20 major pieces of provincial legislation.