Assembly of First Nations Intervening in B.C. Government Legal Reference Case on Trans Mountain Pipeline to Ensure Protection for First Nations Rights

OTTAWA, Aug. 3, 2018 /CNW/ - The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has been granted intervenor status in the B.C. government's reference case at the B.C. Court of Appeal regarding the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion project.

"The AFN has a long history of participating in judicial proceedings where our peoples, their rights and traditional territories are concerned. Any decision in this reference case could have far-reaching impacts for First Nations across the country and the AFN is uniquely positioned to provide a national perspective on these potential impacts," said AFN National Chief Bellegarde. "It is essential we be there and it's positive that the court recognizes our unique role."

In April, the B.C. government provided draft legislation to the provincial Court of Appeal asking it to rule whether the province has the authority to regulate and place restrictions on companies that move diluted bitumen through the province. The province is specifically asking if the proposed law is within B.C.'s jurisdiction; if it can apply to substances transported from another province; and if any existing federal law invalidates the regulations.

"The AFN will insist the court consider First Nations' perspectives on their relationship to the lands and natural environment, and the way these relationships are uniquely and inextricably connected to First Nations health, well-being and our cultural, social and economic vitality," National Chief Bellegarde added. "The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and free, prior and informed consent must be front and centre in any laws, policies and regulations that impact First Nations." 

The AFN has participated and intervened in many judicial proceedings that raise issues of Indigenous and Treaty rights and other constitutional issues facing First Nations. The AFN, for example, was an intervenor in the court case that led to the landmark Tsilhqot'in decision. The AFN utilizes all avenues to ensure rights, justice and fairness for First Nations are upheld. The AFN pursued for more than a decade its complaint against Canada at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal for the federal government's unfair treatment of First Nations children in the child welfare system.

The B.C. reference case - Proposed Amendments to the Environmental Act - is expected to begin in March, 2019. The AFN received notice of its intervenor status in June of this year.

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations