Richmond councillor pushes for government support as homeowners face increasing uncertainty after Aboriginal title ruling

Richmond city councillor Alexa Loo is calling for immediate government assistance for property owners affected by a landmark Aboriginal title ruling. Many in the "black zone" report struggles with title insurance and financing, prompting Loo to argue that they should not bear the consequences of the legal decision. Business owner Gord Maichin criticized the court's lack of transparency, suggesting greater community involvement could have mitigated the situation. Legal expert Tom Isaac contends that both provincial and federal governments did not apply existing legal frameworks that could have alleviated uncertainty for landowners. Isaac highlights that the Supreme Court of Canada has established mechanisms for balancing Indigenous title with private land rights.

He stresses the need for government reassurance to homeowners regarding the protection of land titles in British Columbia. Loo plans to table motions for government action, including temporary financial support during the appeal process. Meanwhile, Premier David Eby has acknowledged homeowners' anxieties and is seeking clarity from the Court of Appeal as quickly as possible.