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Richmond's Conservative MLAs call for leadership and clarity on property rights following Cowichan decision

Richmond-area MLAs Teresa Wat (Richmond-Bridgeport), Steve Kooner (Richmond-Queenborough), and Hon Chan (Richmond-Centre) are calling on Premier David Eby to take immediate action to restore confidence and clarity for homeowners and businesses following the Cowichan title decision, as Richmond residents await a critical City meeting on the issue on Tuesday, October 28.

“Over the past week, many Richmond residents have opened letters from the City informing them that Aboriginal title has been declared on their land,” said Wat. “Imagine reading those words and wondering whether the home you worked your whole life to own is still truly yours. Homeowners are anxious, business owners are uncertain, and families are asking one simple question: What happens to us now? That question deserves a clear answer.”

Wat said the government’s slow and reactive approach has left communities like Richmond in fear and confusion. “It should not take a letter from a mayor to force the Premier to reassure British Columbians about the security of their homes. Leadership means anticipating uncertainty, not reacting to it. People deserve confidence that their property, their savings, and their futures are secure.”

“This uncertainty threatens more than homeowners,” said Kooner, who is also the Attorney General critic. “It puts jobs, investments, and entire communities at risk. When confidence in property rights is shaken, everything else follows: from housing to industry to the economy itself. British Columbians need the Premier to act now and provide clarity that protects both property owners and the rule of law.”

Kooner added, "The Premier, when he was Attorney General, gave a directive to government lawyers not to argue aboriginal title extinguishment in regards to private property in the Cowichan Tribes case. Last week, the Premier told the media that he tried to serve notice of the Cowichan Tribes court case to my constituents, but the court didn't approve. Why couldn't this Premier mail a simple letter to warn Richmond-Queensborough of this court case?”

“In Richmond, an industrial park that includes Coca-Cola, Canadian Tire, and Wayfair now sits on land declared under Aboriginal title,” added Chan. “Hundreds of people work there every day, and the uncertainty created by this ruling cannot last for years while appeals move through the courts. The Premier must take this issue seriously and refer the decision to the Supreme Court of Canada for a definitive ruling on whether Aboriginal title and private property can legally coexist.”

Wat also criticized the NDP MLA for Richmond-Steveston, Kelly Greene, who serves in cabinet but has not addressed her constituents' concerns. “When your community is in distress, silence is not an option. People expect leadership, not avoidance. My constituents are afraid and deserve to know where their elected representatives stand.”

“As we approach the Richmond City meeting, we are united in calling on the Premier to act,” said Wat. “He must clearly state that no homeowner, business owner, or investor will lose their property or their rights because of this decision, and work with the federal government to ensure clarity comes quickly. British Columbians need reassurance, not hesitation.” 

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