Challenge debate on Recognition Act

BC Conservative Deputy Leader and Candidate for MLA in Penticton, Chris Delaney, has issued a challenge to Union of BC Indian Chiefs Grand Chief, Stewart Phillip, to debate him on Gordon Campbell’s proposed Recognition and Reconciliation Act.

Delaney says the Act will recognize “Aboriginal Title” to all of BC. He says the Liberals plan to carve the province into thirty aboriginal ‘super’ territories that will have an effective veto over all resource and land development forever.

Phillip has accused Delaney of ‘fear-mongering’ and of being ‘misinformed’. Delaney responded by saying he is in good company.

“The normally pro-Liberal Vancouver Sun columnist, Vaughn Palmer, has warned the Recognition Act may be an extremely dangerous misstep. Vancouver Province columnist, Mike Smyth, has called the proposal ‘too radical’. Jock Finlayson of the BC Business Council has serious misgivings, as do the BC Chamber of Commerce. Constitutional lawyer Jeffrey Rustand says ‘Aboriginal Title’ will include private land. Native legal specialists Tom Isaac and Keith Clark say ‘there is a fundamental lack of understanding by the persons who drafted this paper for B.C. concerning the significance of recognizing aboriginal title throughout B.C.’”, said Delaney.

Party Leader, Wilf Hanni added, “Those are some pretty heavy hitters. They understand and are prepared to say what Mr. Phillip is not – that “title” can only mean one thing – outright ownership. He knows if he says that, British Columbians will not accept it. The only thing he fears is the truth.”

Hanni says his party will host a debate with Mr. Phillip where the issue can be discussed openly for all British Columbians to see and hear. That way, Phillip can state his case and allay any misconceptions he claims are being promoted. For his part, Delaney say he will be happy to present the facts and let British Columbians decide for themselves whether the Recognition Act is a good thing for BC or not.

“Any time you are giving people that much power, you must take it from someone else. That is the elephant in the room here. In a democracy, people must first be informed, and second give their consent to relinquishing that kind of power,” Delaney explained.

“I doubt British Columbians will want to give thirty unelected, unaccountable chiefs a veto over all of their interests in the land and resources of BC, but let’s let them decide that. Given that the Recognition Act only “recognizes” thirty aboriginal groups when BC has over 250 Bands all with their own chiefs, I’m not even sure all aboriginal groups will go for this power grab.”

“The only way to find out is to have the debate. You know where to reach me Stewart. I’m ready for this if you are,” challenged Delaney.