Conservative politicians are rallying support for a new motion resulting from the Cowichan Tribes ruling, and calling on the federal government to protect private property rights.
Three Conservative Members of Parliament hosted a small round-table event in Maple Ridge on Wednesday morning. It was hosted by Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge MP Marc Dalton, and attended by Langley Township-Fraser Heights MP Tako van Popta, and Mission-Matsqui-Abbotsford MP Brad Vis.
“We’re not trying to make political hay, but we’re trying to bring this to everyone’s attention, because it’s important,” said Dalton.
Van Popta, who practised in real estate law, has been appointed by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to head a Conservative task force on private property rights.
He has read the 863 page landmark Cowichan decision. It came about after a trial that lasted more than five years, with 513 days in session in the Supreme Court of B.C. First Nations had been given title to Crown land in the past, but it was the first time aboriginal title was established over private property, which forms part of the 732 acre claim in Richmond.
“Reconciliation needs to bring groups together, not further divide them,” said Van Popta. “That unfortunately is the negative impact of the Cowichan decision.”
Vis explained the uncertainty has put much-needed housing and investment on pause.
“This decision has effectively stopped major developments in the province of British Columbia,” he said.
He asserted federal and provincial parliaments need to uphold private property rights, otherwise “Cowichan is only the very first of many similar court cases that will go forward,” and all cities and personal dwellings could be subject to such rulings, he said.
The roundtable event was attended by representatives of the BC Cattlemen’s Association, property developers, realtors, and others. They described tough times in property development, citing high real estate prices, a downturn in the economy, bureaucracy, and now a ruling that makes private property ownership more unsure. Some said Alberta is becoming a more desirable place for investors, with greater certainty.
Dalton noted there are land claims across the Lower Mainland, including by the Musqueam Nation, making the need to protect private property rights critical.
“I had a [Ridge Meadows] Home Show booth, and this was an issue that came up frequently,” he said.
Van Popta said politicians benefit by hearing from people with “real-life stories.”
“These are real people, with real economic interests in the province, and we heard that,” he said. “Investment dollars hate uncertainty.”
Everyone at the roundtable event agreed this issue needs greater attention from the public.
The Conservatives announced Wednesday they are launching an advertising campaign to pressure MPs from other parties to support the coming motion to protect property rights. A vote on the motion is coming on Monday, May 25.
The motion calls on government to prioritize private property, ensuring it takes precedence over all other titles, to publish a mitigation plan for Canadians impacted by the Cowichan decision, to appoint a parliamentary committee to study to protect private property, and other measures.
“Canadians deserve the certainty of knowing their homes and property rights are secure, and that no government will let those rights be challenged away,” said van Popta.