Feds say treaty reform needed across Canada, but especially in B.C. – The Vancouver Observer

Apr 04, 2015

A strong federal commitment to treaty−making in Canada is needed to speed up land−claims deals that move at a glacial pace and cost too much money, especially in British Columbia, said a report released Friday.

The 92−page report by Doug Eyford, who is Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s aboriginal envoy, said First Nations across Canada agree the federal government is only willing to meet its minimum legal obligations on the issue, even though an attitude adjustment and major shift in direction is required.

The New Direction report urges the government to get fully engaged in the treaty process and determine what talks should move forward or be abandoned.

Cited as sticking points are institutional barriers, inefficiencies with the process, poor accountability, and a lack of urgency.

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