Tories would allow private ownership on reserves
A re-elected Conservative government would introduce legislation to allow private land ownership on a B.C. reserve near Kamloops.
The promise was included in the party’s platform that was released by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Friday in Richmond.
The new law would impact only the Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band, but the Tories say the initiative, if successful, could “galvanize” other First Nations to take a similar step, according to one party aide.
“If other First Nation bands also choose to pursue this option on a voluntary, opt-in basis, we’ll proceed with similar legislation for them,” the platform stated.
A statement from the band included in the platform stressed that the legislation is based on the initiative of the band, not of Harper, who has had a rocky relationship with many First Nations leaders.
“As chief of my community, I can assure you that this legislation is First Nations-led,” said Chief Michael LeBourdais. “We want what other Canadians have — title we can leave to our future generations.”
The Conservatives announced in 2012 that the government would like to bring forward legislation allowing First Nations to “opt in” to private ownership on lands that have always been treated under the Indian Act as collectively owned. That promise was based on the work of B.C. aboriginal leader Manny Jules, head of the First Nations Commission and a member of the Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band. However, the Tories couldn’t obtain a national consensus from aboriginal leaders, and instead decided to opt for a bill involving a single band.
The party platform said the legislation allowing private property ownership within reserve boundaries would still preserve “existing governance and tax policy structures.” In other words, the tax-free status that aboriginal Canadians enjoy on reserves would be maintained.