The next step at Prairie Green

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/08/2023 (758 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THERE has been much said in the Free Press regarding the search for remains of missing Indigenous women at Prairie Green Landfill, including the recent editorial (”Search for remains a human rights matter” Aug. 1). Yet, the focus remains on morals, not considering how to practically address roadblocks in the decision-making processes. There is enough blame to go around, but too little discussion on getting to a “yes” decision.

The first step was the feasibility study, which the federal government generously funded. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) showed their capabilities in appropriately managing the process. The report, now more-publicly available, is highly competent.

Grand Chief Cathy Merrick made the powerful case that undertaking the search has now become a central matter of reconciliation. She is right, but decisions so far have not gone in that direction.

Media comments by family members and many Indigenous people appear to consider all governments to be the same thing and that they all should simply come together and make it happen. One point confirmed in the report is that searching is beyond the capacity of Winnipeg and its police. Other governments levels must be involved.

The federal and provincial levels, though, have different constitutional authorities and responsibilities and differences in resources. They, thus, are not the same. Getting them to work together is the trick.

The federal government, unfortunately, remains silent on the critical next step, namely announcing a firm funding commitment to support the search itself. They are still mulling it over.

The provincial government felt they had to make a decision, which they did, but under circumstances where they were acting completely on their own, with no indication nor certainty of federal support. Provincial government staff were involved, so they understood the results.

The report shows a search is feasible, but with two important caveats. First, is that there is no guarantee of success. Based on more than 60,000 tonnes of waste involved, it is easy to calculate simple probability, which is not even one-in-one million. The systematic approach recommended would dramatically improve this, but we are not starting from a good position.

More importantly, the study notes there are considerable risks due to toxic chemicals and asbestos, with “considerable risks” underlined.

Many Free Press readers appear to not comprehend the dangers. The use of KN95 masks, suggested by one reader, is wholly inadequate.

While not an expert in landfill searches, I have direct experience with multiple renewable energy projects involving close proximity to hydrogen sulfide, pervasive in landfills. This is not merely an irritant, but acutely toxic. It is sobering to know a mistake or malfunction could have deadly consequences. And the report only deals with known hazards.

Landfills can contain many unknowns, some that technically should not be there: mercury, siloxanes and other odd gases, hazardous wastes, or fearful contagions like rabies or even anthrax. The systematic search methodology and safety procedures would dramatically reduce risks but can provide no guarantee.

The problematic question arises, what happens if something were to go wrong and someone were injured or even killed?

With no clear federal government support nor involvement, if anything went wrong, it would be the provincial government who would assume all liability and, most importantly, take full blame.

No rational provincial government, whatever political party, would knowingly put themselves in a position of entirely taking the blame if something serious went wrong. At the same time, understanding this situation can lead naturally to a potential resolution to clear the roadblocks.

Key is the federal government. There is nothing technically preventing them from announcing a funding commitment, which would clear the air and provide essential certainty.

They have the resources, and, more importantly, have a constitutional responsibility for Indigenous citizens, hence they could and should contribute the most funding. They are uniquely positioned to address provincial concerns, though also needing to create unity and to avoid politicization.

With a nod to Niigaan Sinclair, a positive announcement could lead the way: “As Prime Minister of Canada, I am announcing today that the Government of Canada will financially support undertaking a search of the Prairie Green Landfill, as outlined in the feasibility study. We will cover 85 per cent of costs, to a maximum of $170 million. This will ensure certainty. We need the Government of Manitoba as an active partner too and understand their concerns. We are thus committing to cover all liabilities associated with any injuries or damages to team members as a result of the landfill search. We need to act as a united Canada to positively address this important matter and move reconciliation forward.”

Robert Parsons, PhD, MBA teaches economics, mathematics, supply chain management and logistics at the I.H. Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba.