Controversy Erupts Over Dual Role Appointment of Mike Holland in New Brunswick

In a recent development, the appointment of Mike Holland, Natural Resources Minister, as Indigenous Affairs Minister in New Brunswick, Canada, has ignited a controversy. The Wolastoqey chiefs, who are central to this discourse, perceive an inherent conflict of interest in Holland’s dual role, considering the government’s vested interest in resurrecting the natural gas industry.

Wolastoqey Chiefs Express Concerns

The concerns voiced by the six Wolastoqey chiefs, including Sitansisk Chief Alan Polchies, revolve around Premier Blaine Higgs’s decision to place Holland at the helm of the Indigenous Affairs portfolio. They suspect that this decision could be a calculated move to secure the First Nations’ endorsement for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) initiatives. Chief Polchies has openly criticized the government’s intent to promote natural gas development, a sector that has been under a moratorium since 2014, excluding a singular exception made in Sussex, N.B., in 2018.

Premier Advocates for Natural Gas Development

Premier Higgs, on the other hand, has been a vocal supporter of the development of this industry, positioning it as a pivotal part of his economic vision. He suggests that this could potentially resolve financial issues by means of royalties benefiting the residents of New Brunswick. He has categorically stated that no such development will proceed without the active involvement of the First Nations.

Holland’s Openness and Chiefs’ Opposition

Despite Holland’s receptiveness to industry proposals, the Wolastoqey chiefs continue to stand staunchly against the lifting of the moratorium and the progression of shale gas development. Their resistance arises from a deep-seated concern about the potential implications of these initiatives on Indigenous communities and their long-standing ties with the land.