(Vancouver) — The First Nations Summit is deeply concerned by the BC Government’s decision to issue a project approval certificate to Redcorp Ventures, a subsidiary of Redfern Resources Ltd., for the Tulsequah Chief Mine in Northern BC despite there being a case in this issue before the Supreme Court of Canada.
“We are shocked at the arrogance of the government’s decision to proceed with the approval process for the Tulsequah Chief Mine despite the pending case before the Supreme Court of Canada and considering earlier judgments on consultation in the Taku River, Haida and other cases”, said Grand Chief Edward John, a member of the Summit’s political executive.
“The courts have clearly stated that both the Crown and industry must consider aboriginal interests seriously. They have also indicated the Crown and industry have clearly enforceable duties to consult with First Nations and must undertake to provide workable accommodations of First Nations’ interests. This has clearly not occurred in this case and we would encourage the provincial government to retract the approval certificate pending a decision by the Supreme Court of Canada”, added Chief John.