Opinion: Premier misses mark on AIM message

Blaine Higgs’ statement on industrial fire designed to show there will be accountability, but it lacks strength while including language that belies pro-private-sector attitude

Though it’s burning in Saint John, the raging blaze at the American Iron and Metal (AIM) scrapyard is obviously a story of provincial significance.

New Brunswickers are watching the situation closely - in part in the hope that the injury count remains at nil and that people in and around the fire scene at the Port of Saint John remain safe.

But more importantly, the people of this province will be watching how this government handles the fallout from this latest fiasco on the premises of this industrial business.

Over the course of seven months between 2021 and 2022, two workers died in workplace accidents at AIM. And now, in 2023, a catastrophic fire has imperilled the health of just about everyone in the port city, not to mention the first responders still endeavouring to control and extinguish the blaze.

Premier Blaine Higgs (Photo: Government of New Brunswick website)

Premier Blaine Higgs issued a statement Thursday promising a full investigation into the fire. Clearly, the intent behind the statement was to convey to constituents that this problem-plagued business will be closely examined and held to account for any negligence or other transgressions, be they commercial or even criminal in nature.

But the words offered up by the premier’s office are anything but encouraging, as the anaemic comments don’t even bother to hide the misplaced priorities of a political leader who’s failed to represent the interests of New Brunswickers time and time again.

Higgs stated: “I want to assure you there will be a full investigation.” That’s an assurance he had to make, because with this government, an investigation wouldn’t have been a foregone conclusion. It should be.

In any case, many won’t feel assured, given the lack of any kind of strong language or reference to AIM’s abysmal track record in terms of workplace safety.

“As part of that investigation, AIM must submit a preliminary report within 24 hours of the event and a follow-up report within five days of the event. The investigation will take the time required and be thorough,” the premier stated. 

“There will be no consideration of resumption of operations until we have more information about what took place.”

The statement is devoid of any kind of emphasis on transparency. Will AIM’s reports be made public? Given this government’s track record on disclosure of documentation (which mirrors past governments’ practices, to be fair), we suspect it will deem those reports to be third-party records exempt from right-to-information legislation.

We’ve already passed that initial 24-hour timeline, so presumably, the first AIM report ought to be in government hands by now.

Higgs pledged to get the answers as to how the fire happened and to share those answers. We’re doubtful of that, because the statement focuses on the fire. An investigation into the fire is vital, yes, but more importantly, the answers needed are about the corporate culture at AIM, why potentially deadly and literally deadly mistakes keep happening, and if the province is going to allow this danger-prone business to continue operation.

This isn’t about one fire, as big as it is. This is about a pattern.

Economic development is an important priority for any government. The public sector has long played a role in fostering job creation in the private sector, and while the methods of how that’s done are subject to extensive and likely never-ending debate, we can agree government has a part to play in that goal.

But there comes a point at which the fiscal benefits of a business and the jobs it creates, both direct and indirect, are outweighed by the costs.

AIM has cost taxpayers the price of cleaning up its messes, and it has cost the environment. AIM has cost Saint Johners their health, and it has cost human lives. And the bills keep piling up.

But what’s most disconcerting about the premier’s statement on the AIM fire Thursday was the note on which it closed. Appropriately, he thanks first responders for the work they’re doing to protect lives and property, and he thanks the people of the port city.

But Higgs also singles out two corporate entities - J.D. Irving, Ltd., and Irving Oil - the latter for which he worked for years in his pre-political life.

The premier thanks those companies for their assistance in addressing the crisis, and I accept that they rendered aid as the situation unfolded.

But to take the time to applaud private-sector entities at this early juncture when one is trying to instil public confidence in a government’s focus on accountability for another business sends the wrong message.

That choice takes on an even greater significance when so many perceive the premier, rightly or wrongly, as a government shill for his former employers. 

Higgs, in his statement, acknowledges that “people are angry,” but he’s wrong on that point. They’re not angry. They’re outraged, and justifiably so.

The premier’s comments fail to reflect that, fail to communicate that the matter will be addressed with the level of seriousness and urgency.

Higgs’ statement closes with the following words: “I ask that everyone continues to follow the direction given from emergency officials to keep you safe.”

Well, New Brunswickers ask the premier and his government to follow their direction to keep them safe from AIM in the days, weeks and years ahead.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.