Mark Carney

After months of silence, Prime Minister Mark Carney has finally waded into the landmark Cowichan Nation title case currently gripping British Columbia politics. Carney surprised many last week when he answered a question from Richmond East—Steveston MP Parm Bains in question period. “Can the prime minister outline the government’s position and explain how the government is working collaboratively to uphold reconciliation while protecting private property rights for residents and businesses?” asked Bains. “Private property rights are fundamental, and this government, indeed, this house, will always protect them,” replied Carney. “This government fundamentally disagrees with the B.C. Supreme Court’s decision on Cowichan. We immediately appealed that decision, alongside the government of B.C., the City of Richmond and other Indigenous First Nations. …Carney has now basically adopted the position of Premier David Eby, who has warned the decision cannot stand because it imperils private property rights.