Thoughts on BC Politics and More

A new poll finds that 78% of British Columbians say the BC Supreme Court’s Cowichan decision will hurt BC’s economy by undermining property rights. The decision granted Aboriginal title over approximately 800 acres of private land in Richmond – including farms, small businesses, and individual homes. Opposition crosses every region and every political party. The poll was commissioned by the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), Canada’s largest construction association. According to the poll, the Cowichan decision has heightened concerns about private property not just in Richmond, but across BC. “Farmers, ranchers, small businesses and homeowners are struggling to understand the implications of this decision on land values, on when, and how, they can sell their properties, and on how projects get approved – there is a real risk that if the Government is not clear on its policy approach and what all of this means, BC will become uninvestable,” said ...

Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis I have a lot of respect for Adam Olsen. We don’t always agree on politics, but I respect the man. I have to say there are several key points within his op-ed   (The Tyee – Jan 5, 2026), however, that are attempting to further downplay what is a serious situation in BC. No, David Eby didn’t give a chunk of Richmond to the Cowichan; the courts did based on the constitution and evidence. But the notion that he’s actually serious about defending private property interests is laughable. No, David Eby didn’t give a chunk of Richmond to the Cowichan; the courts did based on the constitution and evidence.  But the notion that he’s actually serious about defending private property interests is laughable. That's because there seems to be NO urgency shown by our provincial government: ➡️ No legislation came forward. ➡️ No call to Ottawa to work with S.43 of the constitution. ➡️ No expedited call for an urgent appeal. ➡️ No stay appli...

In an apparent response to growing backlash and some deteriorating reconciliation and First Nations sentiment among the public, business community, and property owners — stemming from the major implications of a Supreme Court of British Columbia ruling that sided with the Cowichan Tribes’ land claims in Metro Vancouver — the leader of one of the region’s most prominent First Nations is speaking out against such disruptive, court-driven legal cases ... ...  Musqueam Indian Band chief Wayne Sparrow said his First Nation’s long-standing strategy prioritizes negotiations with governments outside the court system when seeking the transfer of government-owned public land — within areas it considers its traditional unceded territory — to its community ...  CLICK HERE for the full story

As BC New Democrats gather for their convention and David Eby's leadership review, Conservative Leader John Rustad says the Premier cannot escape the growing list of failures piling up under his government. "Every corner of this province is feeling the consequences of an NDP government that has stopped listening, stopped responding, and stopped delivering for British Columbians," said Rustad. "From ferries to forestry to public safety to private property rights, this government is failing the people it claims to represent." Rustad said the controversy surrounding the BC Ferries shipbuilding contract has become the defining symbol of the Eby government’s arrogance and detachment. "Nearly ten thousand good, long-term jobs could have been created here in British Columbia. Union leaders, trades workers, ferry workers, and even long-time NDP members begged the Premier to bring this contract home. Instead, he ignored them all, sided with insiders, ...

“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 p...

Premier David Eby and key First Nations leaders did their best Tuesday morning to smooth over differences over the province’s appeal of the BC Supreme Court’s Cowichan decision finding Aboriginal title on a Richmond acreage beside the Fraser River. It was a major victory for the Cowichan Nation, but the subsequent appeal rankled Indigenous leaders, and some uneasiness is still apparent. More than a thousand people are attending the 10th annual First Nations Leaders’ Gathering in Vancouver, and Eby and three chiefs took media questions at the outset. The Cowichan decision raised questions about 150 privately owned properties in the title area. That prompted BC to immediately appeal the decision, out of fear that any uncertainty about private property rights could destabilize the provincial economy. Although the private lands are not directly impacted by the decision, the questions have intensified in recent weeks ... CLICK HERE for the full story

A group of Richmond property owners have started a sweeping appeal of their property taxes in the wake of a Cowichan Nation court ruling that has thrown into question private property rights. Property tax expert Paul Sullivan said he’s spearheading a “mass property tax appeal” on behalf of affected homeowners and businesses, whose land values and ability to sell their properties may be impacted by the Cowichan’s recent Aboriginal title victory in BC Supreme Court. “We’re going to appeal on behalf of everyone to BC Assessment and say, ‘Hey, guys: the value of my property isn’t what you say it is, it’s far less as a result of uncertainty,’” said Sullivan, who is the regional lead of Ryan Tax Firm’s BC office. “I don’t think these properties are saleable" ... CLICK HERE for the full story 

There are 86 lawyers listed on the first page of the reasons for judgment in the BC Supreme Court decision on the Cowichan Tribes’ Aboriginal title case. So right off the bat, you know that the monumental decision on the 11-year-old case is not the end of the matter. The Cowichan were represented by 25 lawyers. The federal government used 17, the Musqueam Band had 14, BC supplied 11, Vancouver Port Authority had eight, Richmond had seven, and the Tsawwassen First Nation had four. The first response of all seven parties involved in the case was to appeal. So the conclusion isn’t really a conclusion at all. It’s going to take years before the issues raised in the decision are even addressed, let alone resolved ... CLICK HERE for the full story  

Residents of Richmond asked why they weren't told sooner about potential risks to their property rights at a tense meeting with officials over the impact of the landmark Cowichan Tribes Aboriginal title ruling. Tensions and frustrations ran high at the public information meeting at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel on Tuesday night, with affected homeowners peppering Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie with questions. “Why did you not warn us earlier?" homeowner Kal Matt asked Brodie at the meeting, overflowing with hundreds of residents. “Why don’t you tell us sooner?” ... CLICK HERE for the full story 

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...

Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie has sent a letter to residents affected by the BC Supreme Court’s recent Cowichan Nation land title decision, warning that their property ownership could be compromised. Brodie’s letter announced that a public information session will be held at Richmond City Hall on Oct. 28 to discuss the implications of the decision, which granted the Cowichan Nation title to large swaths of southeast Richmond and fishing rights in the Fraser River. Brodie’s letter included a draft map outlining the areas affected by the ruling, and a second area not included in the ruling but under appeal by Cowichan First Nations ... CLICK HERE for the full story