FieldNotes

Conservative MP John Cummins writes a long history of aboriginal title debates since the 1991 Delgamuukw decision. In sum:

Recognition of aboriginal title would transfer control of 95 per cent of British Columbia to native leaders who represent little more than three percent of the population. If you own it, control it and have title to it, it follows that revenues which flow from the land such as stumpage fees, mining royalties, rents and access fees for recreational and sporting activities that you impose will be yours.

How the provincial treasury, robbed of these revenues, would maintain its obligations to all British Columbians, including roads, medical and education services, is not addressed by Campbell’s recognition and reconciliation proposal.