B.C.’s Eby says proposed Indigenous land transfer legislation is about saving money
British Columbia's NDP Leader David Eby defended draft legislation proposed by his previous government aimed at limiting compensation for forest companies when land is transferred to Indigenous First Nations. Confidential documents revealed that the government planned to transfer around 400 Crown land parcels to First Nations, while simultaneously limiting compensation for companies holding timber rights on the transferred land.
Eby claims the transfers align with existing treaties and reconciliation commitments, some dating back decades, and that the proposed legislation is primarily about reducing taxpayer costs. The draft legislation would restrict compensation, with those holding less than five percent of existing logging rights not receiving any compensation at all.
The documents, dated September 10, were disclosed just days before the provincial election on October 24.
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