VICTORIA, B.C. – Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands and BC Greens critic for the Attorney General, has released the following statement regarding the Cowichan Tribes v. AG Canada et al. B.C. Supreme Court decision:
“The court’s decision is not surprising, but after more than 500 days of litigation, I’m surprised that neither the BC NDP nor the BC Conservatives seemed prepared for it.
“The BC NDP showed admirable leadership introducing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, recognizing the historical and ongoing harms caused by colonization and consecutive Crown governments. However, its slow and unclear implementation has caused uncertainty and tension across British Columbia.
“The land question is one of the most complicated and significant issues of our time, and the Province must engage in an open, comprehensive, and deliberative negotiation process to address it.
“Through democratic elections British Columbians have repeatedly given the BC NDP government a mandate to negotiate and reconcile with First Nations, and the BC Greens urge them to get back to the table. Court cases are costly, inefficient, and adversarial. Negotiation is the only path to a mutually prosperous province – for Nations, land owners, industry, and all British Columbians.
“The BC Conservatives seem content stoking fear and division from the sidelines, but the law is clear: First Nations have constitutionally protected rights and title. It won’t be easy to resolve overlapping Indigenous and non-Indigenous land issues, but until that happens, questions will continue to arise regarding ‘private property’ rights.
“The BC Greens remain hopeful that the Province is committed to resolving the land question through respectful and honourable negotiations.”
Media Contact
Amy Attas
Communications Officer
BC Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | amy.attas@leg.bc.ca