B.C. First Nation ends blockade of Sicamous bridge construction
Splatsin First Nation says 'meaningful negotiations' with contractor have 'reset' relationship
The Splastin First Nation has ended its blockade of the R.W. Bruhn Bridge in Sicamous, B.C., which it set up Monday over the alleged exclusion of its workers and businesses from the government-funded infrastructure project.
On Wednesday, the First Nation said it had engaged in "meaningful negotiations" with the project's lead contractor, Aecon-Emil Anderson Construction General Partnership (AEGP), that had "reset their relationship and reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration."
The blockade was initiated by Splatsin First Nation in response to what it described as a pattern of broken agreements by AEGP, which was granted the $224-million project.
The nation had said it had been promised a meaningful role in the project, including local jobs, but they had failed to materialize.
However, following discussions, the nation said in a statement that "all parties are focused on a positive path forward."