Premier’s Office Acknowledges Richmond Residents Affected by Cowichan Land Claim Face Issues on “Mortgages, Property Sales”

“The Premier’s Office is secretly sending letters to my constituents behind my back. If the NDP were truly committed to transparency and supporting residents, they would have proactively engaged with owners years ago, not rushed out last-minute letters to cover their tracks.” ~~ Steve Kooner, Conservative MLA for Richmond-Queensborough and Opposition Critic for Attorney General

Steve Kooner, Conservative MLA for Richmond-Queensborough and Opposition Critic for Attorney General, is criticising Premier David Eby and the NDP provincial government for secretly delivering non-committal, last-minute letters to Richmond residents affected by the Cowichan Tribes land claim. For over six years the NDP misled British Columbians on the implications of indigenous land claims. Premier Eby is now quietly sending staff to conduct damage control following public fallout from his 2019 strategic directive for government lawyers not to argue extinguishment of aboriginal title, even over private property. “The Premier’s Office is secretly sending letters to my constituents behind my back,” said MLA Kooner. “If the NDP were truly committed to transparency and supporting residents, they would have proactively engaged with owners years ago, not rushed out last-minute letters to cover their tracks.” The letter, delivered by a Premier’s Office staffer, acknowledges that affected residents could face issues on “mortgages, refinancing, property sales, or permits.” The letter also fails to provide owners with concrete commitments or legal clarity. The NDP staffer in question costs taxpayers over $170,000 a year and is part of a growing crowd of highly paid NDP political spin doctors whose sole work is to conduct damage control on this government’s numerous scandals and failures. “Premier Eby knew the risks of his ideological experiment and now he’s trying to clean up the mess by sending staffers to quietly lecture the very homeowners his policies abandoned,” said MLA Kooner. “This is not consultation; it is damage control.” MLA Kooner emphasized that the Cowichan ruling will have implications for private property rights across the country and has potential to set a dangerous precedent. “Premier Eby’s secret strategic directive and lack of transparency have shaken public and investor confidence,” said MLA Kooner. “British Columbians and Canadians deserve clear commitments and legal clarity — not secret letters and political spin.” MLA Kooner is renewing his call for: Immediate commitments and legal clarity for affected residents. A public disclosure of the Premier Eby’s 2019 strategic directive on aboriginal title and private land. Transparent consultation with local MLAs and communities before additional steps are taken.