Business of Supply

An opposition day debate focused on a British Columbia court decision that recognized Cowichan Tribes’s Aboriginal title over land that includes some privately owned parcels, and on the federal government’s handling of it. Conservatives said the ruling creates uncertainty for private property owners in British Columbia and asked the government to direct its lawyers to defend private property rights, protect homeowners in future Indigenous agreements, release a plan within 30 days, and create a committee of MPs to study the issue; one member also linked the government’s handling of land negotiations and treaties to frustration in Alberta. Liberals responded that the Conservatives are trying to divide Canadians, said many government members including those from British Columbia have spoken on the issue, emphasized reconciliation and national unity, and raised concerns about Parliament directing litigation. Bloc members asked why the issue was brought straight to the House rather than committee, how the government can act while the court process is ongoing, and why the government decided to appeal; one also asked whether the ruling could affect Quebec. A Green member and an NDP member argued that Indigenous rights and the Constitution must be upheld and that the ruling does not remove private property from Canadians. The bill title provided, the One Canadian Economy Act, was not the subject of these statements.Written by AI from the debate. Updated 2026-10-17.

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