Overview

• Speaking at the UBCM convention, John Rustad said “Indigenous rights and private property rights cannot coexist” and urged the federal government to seek guidance from the Supreme Court of Canada.
• The August BC Supreme Court decision recognized Cowichan Tribes’ Aboriginal title over about 7.5 square kilometres on Richmond’s Lulu Island and declared certain Crown grants, including private titles, invalid.
• The Province of British Columbia, the City of Richmond and the Musqueam First Nation have appealed, with legal processes proceeding during an 18‑month suspension intended for negotiations.
• Municipal leaders heard that the ruling challenges the certainty of fee‑simple indefeasibility and could affect lending, permitting, land‑use decisions and Richmond’s dike ownership and maintenance.
• Counsel for the Cowichan Nation said homeowners are not being ejected and emphasized that the court’s pause was meant to allow governments and the Nation to negotiate practical solutions.