From Richmond to Ottawa: Indigenous Land Claims Threaten Private Property Rights Across Canada

The Continuing Perversity of Civil Asset Forfeiture

A Richmond, B.C. man who’s owned his home since 1975 claims he has just been told his mortgage will not be renewed — because the B.C. Supreme Court granted title of his land to the Cowichan Tribe. After nearly 50 years of paying taxes, maintaining his home, and contributing to the community, his lender has informed him that his property no longer qualifies as secure collateral. The reason? His land title is now contested under an Indigenous land claim.

“I’ve owned my land for decades,” he said. “I’m not giving it up without a fight.” The homeowner received the news by letter and said his mortgage company refused renewal due to the uncertainty surrounding ownership. “I paid taxes, I paid for my place. Now, lo and behold, I don’t own it. Not fair.”

The court ruling in B.C. marks a historic precedent — and now it’s spreading.

In Quebec, the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation has launched a sweeping title claim covering major portions of western Quebec, including parts of Ottawa, Gatineau Park, and islands in the Ottawa River. The First Nation is also suing the governments of Canada and Quebec, along with Hydro-Québec and the National Capital Commission, for $5 billion.

Chief Jean-Guy Whiteduck says the move is about ensuring Indigenous contr...

https://www.blendrnews.com/p/canadas-shrinking-future
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