BC First Nation challenges Canada-China trade deal

[Joe Shlabotnik]

A three-day hearing for a B.C. First Nations legal challenge of the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, or FIPA, kicked off in Vancouver today.

The Port Alberni-based Hupacasath First Nation launched the challenge because it says elements of the trade agreement infringe on aboriginal title and rights. It also argues that First Nations weren't adequately consulted about the deal.

The band launched the court challenge under Section 35 of the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms aboriginal rights. The First Nation argues that the treaty could potentially violate the Constitution, since aboriginal claims would take second place to those made by Chinese investors under FIPA.

Some supporters of the challenge consider it to be the last chance to stop the ratification of the Canada-China FIPA, which would last for 31 years. The FIPA was signed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in fall 2012.

http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/2013/06/05/FIPA-Court-Challenge/

Thanks, and solidarity with the Hupacasath people. Nice to know that some have the backbone to stand up to this government.

[ConcernedCanuk]

1. HARPER!!! when are we gonna wake up and vote him OUT???

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He sold out our oil to the US for pennies,

kept our troops in USA's overseas shenanigans,

done nothing to improve the economy,

and runs Canada like a monarchy.

"King Harper" I call him.

Only leader I despised more is the Premier of Ontario named Harris who cut social assistance back so far that people on assistance (including me) were digging food out of dumpsters on a regular basis. (actually got some nice meals out of them)

How else has Harper sold us out, only time will tell.

And Kudos to the people that REALLY belong in Canada for having more balls than us "white" people.

Sad to say, but I ain't got no pride in being a "white" man.

CC