On Monday, aboriginal leaders assembled in Victoria to protest a treaty process they say will extinguish their land-title and self-government rights. But they weren't the only ones on the front lawn of the legislature. Spotted amongst signs reading "We Demand Fairness," "We Need Justice" and "No to Genocide," was Saanich-Gulf Islands federal Liberal candidate and prominent environmentalist Briony Penn.
In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Penn explained she had been asked attend by members of the Sencoten Alliance - a political/cultural organization representing four southwest British Columbia First Nations. The alliance is concerned its members weren't consulted about the soon-to-be ratified Tsawwassen First Nation final agreement - an agreement that may infringe on their treaty rights.
"I was just there to gather information and be informed on the issue at this stage," explained Ms. Penn. "As they've put forward, they'd like to have further consultation. And I support their need for further consultation."
But couldn't such information gathering have been done without attending a demonstration? "I was wearing two hats (at the protest). I'm actually a journalist," she responded - referring to her gig as a columnist for Focus Magazine. "So I was there to interview and get all parts of the story."
And what about her position on the treaty process as a whole? "I have no comment other than that. I can't comment on the treaty process at this stage. But, as the candidate, I do support people's desires to make sure they are fully consulted."
Briony is starting to sound like a politican. She will fit right in down in Ottawa
Correction. Briony Penn is starting to sound like a losing, fringe politician who isn't going to make it to Ottawa. Add her to Dion's other list of prize acquisitions, David Orchard and Elizabeth May.
Briony Penn wants to listen and learn and give an issue careful thought before speaking out. And there's a problem with this? To my mind, the problem is with people who want their politicians to be quick with the one-liners. That's exactly the kind of thinking that sent the US into Iraq. It is precisely because she is willing to take time and consider the ramifications of decisions, that Briony will make such an excellent representative for the people of Saanich Gulf Islands.