“You say we're fearmongering. But I say that court decision is causing real problems. Here's one example. A land development project is now complicated because of that decision. This isn't just fearmongering. I'm stating facts. Do you have anything to say about that?”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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The House debated the impact on private property of the legal uncertainty created by the Cowichan Tribes v Canada court decision. Conservatives accused the Liberals of failing to swiftly and robustly appeal the ruling, contributing to public anxiety and economic disruption in B.C. Liberals argued they have taken appropriate steps to defend private property rights and accused Conservatives of sowing misinformation. Much of this debate was taken up by efforts to clarify and distinguish the positions of the two main parties on the issue, rather than concretely advancing the topic.
“You say we're fearmongering. But we're not saying private land will be taken. We know this is a provincial issue. The federal government can't negotiate private land. You should ask the province and premier, not us. A similar case happened in New Brunswick. That court said aboriginal title could lead to compensation. But that doesn't mean taking private land. So this really is a provincial issue, not ours.”
“I'm saying my friend works hard and takes this seriously. I name all the groups involved so we sound united. I ask what he's heard from them to show we're all working together. This shows I want the decision appealed.”
“Those people weren't perfect either. They sat around and didn't tell anyone. Now they try to make it an issue. They say things that don't match. This is all to make them look bad for bringing it up.”
“You say this is a provincial issue. But you asked the Prime Minister about it. You blame the city too. They fought in court for property rights. Why didn't the government fix this?”
“I already said the federal government went to court in 2017 to notify residents. The Prime Minister answered a question to take responsibility and say the federal government won't negotiate private property rights.”
“I'm quoting the Prime Minister talking about federal agreements. He said they protect private property rights and indigenous rights. The Prime Minister was clear, so I'm asking you to agree with that quote.”
“I want voters to think the Prime Minister will protect them. I'm saying this is on the provinces.”
“I want the government to protect private property rights. The current government is causing uncertainty and division by failing to do this. I hope everyone will support our motion to create a committee to study how we can protect property rights. The government needs to change course because their current approach is creating problems for Canadians.”
“I don't like that you blamed us for failing to negotiate a treaty with the Cowichan Tribes. I want to shift the blame to the previous Conservative government in 2014 instead. I'm changing the topic to avoid your point that we are causing uncertainty by failing to protect property rights.”
“I want to defend the past Conservative government's record on indigenous issues. The current government should not dismiss our efforts before 2015. I propose that all parties work together in a special committee to make progress.”
“I see both the Conservatives and Liberals as hypocrites who are violating the Constitution. I want my colleague to clearly state whether she respects her duty to uphold the Constitution and rule of law, yes or no.”
“I don't get your point. Of course I respect the Constitution. I'm just trying to make a special committee. It's to work together and move forward. I hope you'll work with us. It's good for everyone.”
“I don't like it when you bring up the past. It's not fair. We have a right to ask questions and suggest things. The government should respond better.”
“I tried to focus on facts in my speech. This is a complicated case. The government made it worse. We need to work together to find a solution.”
“This court decision creates confusion and tension over private property rights in British Columbia. 98% of respondents are very concerned. It affects financing for projects. The federal government needs to engage with British Columbians throughout the judicial process.”