The outpouring of support shown to a Fort William First Nation gas station owner has touched him during his conflict with band council over COVID-19.
After briefly defying council’s order for the whole community to stay closed to anyone outside the boundary, Roy Pelletier of First Class Gas says he’s found the response from Thunder Bay residents emotional.
“I’m the 3rd generation of this business, and the community of Thunder Bay has been supporting us for 45 years. It’s amazing to see the outpouring of support from phone messages to emails. The people of Thunder Bay, I think, appreciate the fact we’re fighting for their point of view as well,” points out Pelletier.
He adds not only has he heard from Thunder Bay residents, but also some living on the reserve.
“We’ve had mixed responses. I can say the responses have definitely been more positive from the community of Thunder Bay. That’s where 99% of our business comes from, especially with the auto body and powder coating,” says the gas station owner.
Pelletier says he’s also heard from gas stations in the area that did close, not defying the order. He wouldn’t say who, but points out they’re very upset with the closure.
“The politics makes them nervous. It’s scary for a business to get into a legal battle with Fort William First Nation,” says Pelletier.
The gas station owner adds he’s taking this to court, as this dispute is not so much over boundary, but that his store is an essential service. He says other gas stations in the community can also stay open.
We have reached out to Fort William First Nation band council for comment.
