Court Update Day 9; Tuesday, September 16, 1997
Things Aren't Black & White For Gray
Jack Love, Daishowa salesman, continued his testimony about the effects of the boycott. He stated that Daishowa had a negative name in the industry and that people were concerned about the boycott and picketing.
Harold Gray Regional Director of Forestry Services for Alberta, said was he responsible for the delivery and implementation of Forest Ministry policies. His jurisdiction was the northwest Boreal region of Alberta that includes the Lubicon traditional area. Several maps were introduced at the last minute into evidence by Daishowa lawyer Peter Jervis, who asked Gray to commenton various aspects. Gray admitted that the province did not decide where Daishowa would log within their Forest Management Area. This is of interest in that in 1990, it was reported in various newspapers that the province of Alberta was refusing to re-allocate to Daishowa timber-cutting areas inside the Lubicon territory to areas outside of the Lubicon traditional area. Today's evidence suggests that it is Daishowa's right to decide whether it chooses to log in the Lubicon traditional territory, not the province's. Gray said the province does not have to give Daishowa permission to stay out of Lubicon territory. Daishowa can just tell the province they will stay out. Gray also admitted that there was land west of the Lubicon territory which could replace any timber shortfall arising from a decision not to cut on Lubicon land.
Daishowa's next witness was Tony Cooper, who was the purchasing agent for Movenpick Restaurants. Ms. Wristen asked about his concerns and Cooper admitted that he did have some concerns about dealing with a company that was allegedly doing what Daishowa was doing. He also stated that he was concerned about what effect picketing would have on Movenpick's business, envisioning "four or five" people with placards handing out flyers on the sidewalk outside the restaurant. He felt this would disrupt business at Movenpick.
Members of the United Church of Canada joined FoL and other supporters in court and provided a wonderful assortment of pizzas! Chi Meegwetch. Each day of court has been sponsored by various organizations who bring their members to court to support the Friends during the trial. Tomorrow the Friends will be joined by Anti-Racist Action and by Environmental Studies students from York University.
The Daishowa v. Friends of the Lubicon trial will continue Wednesday, September 17h at 9:15 a.m. in Courtroom 2-7 until 11 a.m. and then back to room 4-2. 361 University Ave, Toronto. For more information call (416) 763-7500 or e-mail Friends of the Lubicon at fol@tao.ca
*** Please note! There is no sitting Thurs. Sept 18, Fri. Sept 19 and Tues. Sept 23. ***
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