Herbicide Trials
In 1983, fifteen Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, landowners went to court to stop the spraying of herbicides by the local subsidiary of a Swedish multinational on forests adjacent to their properties. They found that the testimony of scientists and the support of public opinion, both here and abroad, were not enough to win their case. The film shows their ordeal and the landmark Sydney trial. Concerns raised included potential conflict-of-interest situations where a government must protect citizens' health while supporting certain kinds of industry; the relative value of the political and judicial processes in mediating social problems; and the need …
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In 1983, fifteen Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, landowners went to court to stop the spraying of herbicides by the local subsidiary of a Swedish multinational on forests adjacent to their properties. They found that the testimony of scientists and the support of public opinion, both here and abroad, were not enough to win their case. The film shows their ordeal and the landmark Sydney trial. Concerns raised included potential conflict-of-interest situations where a government must protect citizens' health while supporting certain kinds of industry; the relative value of the political and judicial processes in mediating social problems; and the need for a public forum for debating environmental issues. The film contains outstanding footage from chemical-industry films of the 1950s and recent material about Vietnam veterans affected by Agent Orange.
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directorNeal Livingston
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editingNeal Livingston
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cameraNeal Livingston
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producerKent Martin
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executive producerBarry Cowling
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sound editingSean Whalen
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musicLeon Dubinsky
Warnings: smoking
After losing the case, landowner John Shaw said, “Spruce trees are more important than people in Nova Scotia.” Discuss this statement before and after watching the film. Did your opinion change after watching the film? Why or why not? What role do you think the government should play in promoting industry and/or protecting the environment? What impact does the multinational corporation have on the outcome of the trial? How were Indigenous Peoples impacted by this court case? The film featured a young Elizabeth May. Do some further research into her life since 1983. What impacts has she had throughout her career?
The herbicide trials took place in 1983. What do you think would happen if the trials took place today?
