THE MAIN EVENT

On April 2, British Columbia's Liberal Government called a referendum on aboriginal treaties. The deadline for British Columbians to return their ballots was May 15, 2002.

The referendum sought to establish principles that will guide the BC government in future treaty negotiations with the province's aboriginal peoples. The principles put forth by the

He Said, She Said “The referendum has got less to do with democracy and more to do with cheap politics and it will not unite this province to solve our problems.” Jim Sinclair President of the Labour Federation.

referendum are as follows:

1. Private property should not be expropriated for treaty settlements.
2. The terms and conditions of leases and licences should be respected; fair compensation for unavoidable disruption of commercial interests should be ensured.
3. Hunting, fishing and recreational opportunities on Crown land should be ensured for all British Columbians.
4. Parks and protected areas should be maintained for the use and benefit of all British Columbians.
5. Province-wide standards of resource management and environmental protection should continue to apply.
6. Aboriginal self-government should have the characteristics of local government, with powers delegated from Canada and British Columbia.
7. Treaties should include mechanisms for harmonizing land use planning between Aboriginal governments and neighbouring local governments.
8. The existing tax exemptions for Aboriginal people should be phased out.

The referendum was a central part of the BC Liberal Party’s platform during last year's election campaign. In that election, the Liberal Party won 77 of 79 seats, bringing 10 years of NDP government to an end. While in Opposition, the Liberal Party also attempted to use the courts to block the recently signed Nisga’a Treaty.

Many BC First Nations have opposed the referendum. An alliance of 40 aboriginal groups has asked the BC Supreme Court to order a halt to ballot counting. The alliance argues that the mail-in ballot is unlawful and unconstitutional.

A variety of non-aboriginal groups have also publicly opposed the referendum. This includes the federal government, labour groups, environmental organizations, the Anglican Church, Jewish groups, and women’s groups. Many of these groups are asking British Columbians to boycott the referendum.

BC Premier Gordon Campbell rejected the criticisms. “I don't understand why a referendum for the general public, including aboriginal people, is wrong,” he said. “People will get a chance to vote.”

Read the Referendum Principles and their Explanations (PDF)
Get the Latest from Major Media Outlets
Get More Information at the BC Government’s Treaty Negotiations Office Website
Check Out the Website of the BC Referendum Office
Read BC Premier Campbell’s Letter on the Purpose of the Referendum
Learn More at the Website of the First Nations Summit
Learn More at the Union of BC Indian Chiefs’ Website
Read About Land Claims in British Columbia

Spotlight photo graciously provided by the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs