British Columbia’s attorney general, Niki Sharma, has emphasized the importance for Canadian companies to consider their involvement when contemplating business dealings with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Speaking at a press conference, Sharma addressed the growing criticism faced by B.C. billionaire Jim Pattison regarding the potential sale of a Virginia warehouse to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for use by ICE.
Pattison, the head of the Jim Pattison Group, which operates in various sectors such as real estate, automotive, media, and groceries, is under pressure to reconsider the deal due to concerns over ICE’s actions, including incidents such as the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota. Sharma expressed her government’s deep concern over these actions and urged business leaders in the province and across the country to reflect on their roles in such circumstances to avoid contributing to negative outcomes.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently notified the Hanover County planning department in Virginia of its intention to acquire and renovate a warehouse owned by Jim Pattison Developments. Property records indicate that the building was purchased by Jim Pattison Developments for approximately $10.4 million Canadian dollars in 2022, with its value expected to rise to around $69 million Canadian dollars following enhancements this year.
In response to the situation, a spokesperson for Jim Pattison Developments stated that the property was listed for sale publicly due to operational changes and that the transaction was subject to specific approvals and closing conditions. While refraining from commenting on private transactions, the spokesperson acknowledged the heightened discussions surrounding immigration policy and enforcement and recognized the significance of the issue to many individuals.
Furthermore, the union representing employees of Save-On-Foods, one of the grocery chains under the Pattison conglomerate, condemned the potential sale of the warehouse in a letter to the Jim Pattison Group. The union highlighted concerns about the impact of the sale on immigrant workers, emphasizing the importance of dignity, respect, and safety for these individuals.
This incident is not isolated, as other Canadian businesses, such as the Vancouver-based tech company Hootsuite and the Brampton defense manufacturer Roshel, have also faced scrutiny for their involvement with ICE, including contracts and projects worth significant amounts of money.
