“Premier Eby can no longer avoid this question. Either he believes private property rights are secure, or he does not.”

– John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Opposition

VICTORIA, B.C.: Conservative Party of BC Leader John Rustad is demanding that Premier David Eby immediately refer the question of private property rights to the Supreme Court of Canada in light of the Cowichan Tribes v. Canada ruling, which has triggered real concern among homeowners in Richmond and across British Columbia.

“Will Premier Eby commit today, not next week or after polling, to refer the question of private property rights to the Supreme Court of Canada?” Rustad said. “British Columbians deserve an answer before a single additional negotiation proceeds.”

Last week, Richmond homeowners received official notice from their city that properties may soon be subject to Aboriginal title claims. Richmond’s NDP MLA and cabinet minister, Kelly Greene, has remained silent while her constituents grow more concerned by the day.

“Residents are opening letters that say the land under their homes may not be secure, and their MLA, who sits at the cabinet table, has gone completely silent,” Rustad stated. “That is unacceptable. This is not academic. This is people’s homes.”

Rustad has already formally written to the federal Attorney General, urging the Government of Canada to refer this constitutional question to the Supreme Court under section 53(2) of the Supreme Court Act, seeking clarity on whether Aboriginal title and private property can legally coexist over the same land.

“Premier Eby can no longer avoid this question. Either he believes private property rights are secure, or he does not,” Rustad said. “He must give British Columbians a clear answer. Will he join the federal referral to the Supreme Court, or will he leave homeowners in the dark? Further, will he push to reopen the constitution to enshrine private property rights?

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Media Contact:
Ryan Painter
Communications
Ryan.Painter@leg.bc.ca