VICTORIA, B.C. – Statement from Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, on the BC Greens’ support for the Second Reading of Bill 20, the K’ómoks Treaty Act:
“The BC Green Caucus fully supports the right of all First Nations to self-determination, in the manner that best reflects the interests of each Nation and its people. Where a First Nation has chosen to pursue a treaty, we recognize and support the decades of work involved in securing ratification from members, addressing issues with provincial and federal governments, and negotiating with neighbouring Nations.
“The Crown has played a direct role in creating and compounding issues related to territorial boundaries and overlap. This includes deliberately disrupting family and hereditary systems, outlawing Indigenous governance practices, and harmful decisions not to pursue treaties or negotiations at earlier points in history. The Crown therefore has an ongoing responsibility to address those harms and their continuing impacts on First Nations and Indigenous peoples.
“By supporting Bill 20 through Second Reading and into Committee stage, the BC Green Caucus will have the opportunity to place concerns about this specific legislation on the public record, including those of neighbouring Nations. At Committee stage we will also hold the government accountable, on the record, for how it is addressing broader issues within the treaty process. We will seek assurances that this Treaty does not infringe upon or diminish the rights of other First Nations, and that the Province will engage equitably with all First Nations — both Treaty and non-Treaty Nations.
“We have not yet received confirmation from the Government regarding the timing or approach for Bill 21, the Kitselas Treaty Act, which is also before the House. Should that bill proceed to debate, our voting intention and proposed questions at Committee stage will be similar.”
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Media Contact
Amy Attas
Communications Officer
BC Green Caucus
+1 (204) 740 0280 | Amy.Attas@leg.bc.ca