While the Nova Scotia government works to pass its controversial law that would make it illegal to block forest roads in the province, Mi’kmaw land protectors say they’re not going anywhere. On Sept. 23, the province introduced the Protecting Nova Scotians Act… The part of the proposed law that is drawing the ire of Mi’kmaw across the province deals with Crown Lands. The bill promises to “prevent the blocking of forest access roads and to allow structures to be removed without notice if they are a hazard to public health, safety or order or if they are impeding the lawful use of Crown lands.” According to land protectors on the Hunters Mountain, that part of the bill is aimed at them. …They said they’re protecting the forest from clear-cutting. Sacred lands that contain medicines and important sites.
Additional coverage:
- CBC News by Michael Gorman: Debate stretches late into the night at Nova Scotia legislature
- Halifax Examiner, by Nina Newington: I’m a citizen scientist working to protect Nova Scotia’s forests. Tim Houston is threatening to put me in jail.