Employment Versus Environment: The Complexities of Managing the Interests of Northern Pulp’s Multiple Stakeholders

Abstract

Northern Pulp has been a major contributor to the economy in rural Nova Scotia since 1967. It has also been a significant environmental polluter. While local residents have compromised their health and environment for jobs and economic stability for 52 years, people are fed up with both Northern Pulp and the provincial government’s disregard for their wellbeing. This is particularly true of the Pictou Landing First Nation, on whose land Northern Pulp’s effluent treatment site is situated. In response to pressure from its citizens, the provincial government has passed the Boat Harbour Act, which legislates that Northern Pulp close its current effluent treatment site by January 31, 2020. As this date draws nearer, Northern Pulp must determine an ethical course of action that best balances the interests of its multiple stakeholder groups. What should Northern Pulp do?