The Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) has provided approval for its solicitor to apply to the Court of Appeal to intervene in the pending proceedings related to Cowichan Tribes v. Canada.
In its decision last summer, the British Columbia Supreme Court granted the plaintiff group — which includes the Cowichan Tribes, Stz’uminus First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, and Halalt First Nation — Aboriginal title to over 700 acres of land in south Richmond. All seven parties involved in the original proceedings, including the Province of B.C., Government of Canada, City of Richmond, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Musqueam Indian Band and Tsawwassen First Nation, have appealed.
UBCM’s board approved the decision to seek intervenor status at its February meeting.
UBCM’s goal is to ensure the Court understands the unique implications this ruling will have on local government’s ability to regulate, tax and service within its jurisdiction.
The appeal of Cowichan Tribes is in its early stages. No factums have been filed, and a hearing date has not yet been scheduled.