B.C. may transfer Crown land to Vancouver Island First Nations
New documents show that more than 300,000 acres of land could be transferred to Vancouver Island First Nations, which are currently finalizing treaties.
The British Columbia government is considering transferring over 300,000 acres of Crown land to Vancouver Island First Nations, who are currently finalizing treaties. Approximately 30 parcels of land, including Hatley Castle, Royal Roads University, waterfront in Victoria, and provincial parks like Discovery Island and Sooke Mountain, are on the list.
Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay expressed her opposition, stating that this move is a "betrayal of our core democracy here in British Columbia." She argued that British Columbians collectively own the province and should have a say in such decisions.
Legal expert Geoffrey Moyse suggested that there was no legal obligation to renegotiate the Douglas Treaties, which were signed in 1899. He viewed the current proposal as a political decision rather than a necessary legal action. Moyse also emphasized that there is no legal requirement to address Aboriginal title or related matters since these issues have already been addressed.
However, there are concerns about the implications of transferring these lands. It is feared that the transferred properties could become private holdings with no legal obligation to maintain public access or adhere to existing zoning regulations. This issue has been highlighted by Steve Kooner of the Conservative Party, who criticized the government for lacking public consultation and disregarding democratic oversight.
Global News attempted to arrange an interview with the province's Indigenous relations minister, but the minister declined to participate in the discussion.
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