During a recent gathering of business leaders at the BC Chamber of Commerce in Vancouver, British Columbia Premier David Eby addressed concerns surrounding two significant court decisions involving First Nations rights. Eby emphasized his commitment to protecting private property rights and ensuring a balanced approach to Indigenous land claims.
The B.C. Supreme Court’s ruling in August granted Aboriginal title to the Cowichan Tribes over 300 hectares of land in Richmond, raising concerns about potential impacts on private land ownership statewide. Eby, along with other defendants, is appealing the decision while highlighting the need to address the uncertainty it has created, describing it as detrimental to relationships with First Nations, businesses, and the economy.
Additionally, the B.C. Court of Appeal recently allowed a challenge to the province’s mineral tenure system by two other First Nations, asserting the immediate legal effect of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Eby expressed concerns about the prolonged legal battles and increased uncertainty stemming from these rulings.
In response to the legal developments, Eby mentioned that Attorney General Niki Sharma is actively working to amend relevant laws and regulations to address the challenges posed by the court decisions. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party of B.C. has called for legislative action to reconsider the Declaration Act following the court rulings favoring Indigenous groups.
Eby stressed the importance of respecting private property rights in the reconciliation process with First Nations, highlighting the need to protect homeowners and businesses from the uncertainties arising from the recent legal decisions.