US EditionB.C. Conservative Rustad stoking ‘baseless’ land ruling fears: First Nations leaders
The ruling affirms Cowichan Tribes' Aboriginal title over land despite private ownership claims, sparking political disputes and appeals by the province and city officials.
- On Oct. 21, 2025, First Nations leaders said John Rustad, provincial Conservative leader, uses `dangerous and cynical rhetoric` and stokes `baseless fears` by calling to pause negotiations.
- B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma told Rustad on Monday the province first appealed to defend property owners and argued private title `sits above` Aboriginal title, with ongoing legal challenges ahead.
- The City of Richmond is hosting a public information session next week, while Mayor Malcolm Brodie warned property owners the court decision could affect titles, which leaders called `alarmist commentary`.
- B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma told the legislature on Monday that the B.C. Court of Appeal will address multiple grounds of appeal and the province will continue to challenge the case while balancing property rights and reconciliation.
- The ruling challenges the notion that private title always prevails by finding some government grants unjustifiably infringed Cowichan title, while the First Nations council says co-existing titles do not threaten B.C.'s stability.
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B.C. Conservative leader stoking ’baseless’ land-ruling fears: First Nations leaders
The council's statement says Aboriginal title and fee simple private ownership can and do coexist, and recognition of the legal and political fact isn't a threat to the stability and prosperity of B.C.
B.C. Conservative Rustad stoking ‘baseless’ land ruling fears: First Nations leaders
First Nations leaders in British Columbia say provincial Conservative leader John Rustad is using “dangerous and cynical rhetoric” in his response to a landmark court decision that recognizes Aboriginal title of the Cowichan Tribes over private and government-owned land in Richmond, B.C.
Winnipeg Free Press
B.C. Conservative Rustad stoking 'baseless' land ruling fears: First Nations leaders
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