B.C. Supreme Court rules on Crown consultation obligations to First Nations

"The Crown's obligation to reasonably consult is not fulfilled simply by providing a process within which to exchange and discuss information." - Madam Justice Kathryn Neilson, B.C. Supreme Court

See this article in The Globe and Mail involving a recent B.C. Supreme Court decision [Wii'litswx v. British Columbia] on Crown consultation obligations to First Nations.

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"It will therefore be important for business and industry in Canada to ensure that the Provinces and Canada observe their obligations, since failure of a Province or Canada to fulfil those obligations may lead to delay or prevention of important land and resource use developments in the country." - Charles F. Willms and Kevin O'Callaghan, Fasken Martineau, Aboriginal Bulletin, November 2004. Source

[Post revised: 09/09/08]

The Bear Mountain dispute in northern B.C.

"Consultation is a process that requires consideration of First Nations rights and titles and interests..." - Murray Browne, Legal Counsel, Takla First Nation

This article in The Tyee covers both perspectives in the dispute involving the Takla First Nation and Imperial Metals in regards to the company's exploration of Bear Mountain. Also, see the Takla First Nation's website: www.taklafn.ca



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Tsilhqot'in referendum postponed

"..the Aug. 1 date was too early to hold such a complex referendum..." - Joe Alphonse, Director of Services, Tsilhqot'in National Government

See this Williams Lake Tribune story for an update on the Tsilhqot'in National Government's pending referendum on the Prosperity gold-copper mine project, as proposed by Hunter Dickinson's Taseko Mines Ltd. The referendum has been put on hold with no new date scheduled.