B.C. going door to door to hear residents concerns in Cowichan title area

Premier David Eby appointed a community contact to engage with Richmond residents affected by the Cowichan Aboriginal title ruling. The contact's duties include addressing concerns regarding the impacts of the ruling on property financing and sales. The B. C. Supreme Court's August decision granted the Cowichan Tribes Aboriginal title over a 300-hectare area, declaring certain Crown and city titles invalid.

Eby encouraged residents with financing challenges to inform the government, although he noted that no banks have reported refusals related to the ruling. National Bank stated last month that the Cowichan title ruling did not influence their financing decisions. Eby acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the ruling, emphasizing the government's commitment to protecting private property owners. The court's ruling could set a precedent concerning Aboriginal title and private property rights. The community contact aims to facilitate direct communication between the government and affected residents, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed.