Mr. Speaker, as an MP from British Columbia I want to express the great concerns British Columbians have regarding Bill C-49. I have had a number of meetings and discussions with B.C. residents and mayors and also with the ministry of Indian affairs to express my concerns.
First I want to speak on the consultation process between the first nations and the municipalities. Let me refer to the correspondence between the Union of B.C. Municipalities to the Land Management Board representing the 14 first nations. The UBCM clearly supports the concept of mutual reciprocal consultation on land use and responded to a draft discussion paper in very favourable terms. I quote: “The UBCM aboriginal affairs committee has now considered the draft discussion paper on land use and related matters. The draft discussion paper between first nation governments and the municipalities including a number of cities states they will consult with one another on a regular basis regarding the following issues of mutual concerns: First, their land use plans in existence at the time of this agreement and in the future. Second, environmental impacts from development on their lands. Third, the provision of the local infrastructure and services to their residents. Fourth, cross-boundary land use issues. Fifth, general concern regarding land development and its effect on their respective adjacent lands”.
I am pleased that the consultation process is already in place. The five B.C. first nations are involved in discussions with UBCM to develop a process to address the issue of consultation. Those five first nations have agreed to consult off reserve governments and other interested parties on major developments that would affect them. They are currently working with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities to develop the appropriate consultation mechanisms. Such a consultation process must protect the interests of all Canadians which is what I support the most.
Under Bill C-49, first nations could not exercise expropriation powers arbitrarily. Expropriation by first nations would be for community purposes only, such as water and sewage projects or a public building like a fire hall. Bill C-49 requires first nations to clearly define their expropriation powers in their land codes before they are ratified by the community.
I want to pay tribute to many British Columbians, officials and mayors for their input and opinions regarding Bill C-49. I convey their opinions to my colleagues in this House as I speak now as their representative from B.C.