A Port Alberni First Nation has launched a legal challenge against a Canada-China investment deal that was concluded last September.
The Hupacasath First Nation has filed a notice of application in Federal Court to try to block the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, signed September 9, 2012.
"We will argue that the Government of Canada has breached its fiduciary duty to consult First Nations on our respective constitutionally enshrined and judicially recognized aboriginal title, rights and treaty rights," said Steven Tatoosh, chief councilor of Hupacasath.
The Hupacasath are opposing the deal on environmental and other grounds.
"This deal will pave the way for a massive natural resource buyout and allow foreign corporations to sue the Canadian government in secret tribunals, restricting Canadians from making democratic decisions about our economy, environment and energy," said Hupacasath councillor Brenda Sayers.
