Ernest Drapeau

Private industrial forest land in New Brunswick will remain excluded from an ownership claim by Wolastoqey First Nations after the Supreme Court of Canada turned down an application to hear the case. It means the New Brunswick Court of Appeal’s ruling from last December is the final word on the issue. The title claim case can continue, but the First Nations will only be able to seek damages and compensation for the loss of their traditional lands. They will not be able to assert ongoing ownership. …“The fight for our homeland will continue,” said Chief Patricia Bernard of Madawaska Maliseet First Nation. …Three large forestry companies — J.D. Irving Ltd., H.J. Crabbe and Sons, and Acadian Timber — applied to have forest land they own excluded from the case. Drapeau’s ruling said the companies had no role in the initial taking of unceded land, and any legal bid for a declaration of title would not succeed.