Treaty being blocked by B.C. First Nation community

An investment treaty between Canada and China is being blocked by the Hupacasath First Nation in B.C.

According to CBC News , the small BC First Nations community said in federal court in June that the federal government must consult with First Nations before signing agreements such as the investment treaty in question.

Federal Government lawyers have argued that any duty to consult First Nations does not apply in this case.

The Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement was signed with China last September, but the federal government has agreed to “hold off on the ratification until due process takes place in court” says Brenda Sayers, a member of the Hupacasath First Nations. 

The ratification of the Canada-China treaty would mean the loss of negotiation powers for First Nations as well as control of assets over a 232,000-hectare territory.

Members of the B.C. First Nations rallied on Parliament Hill Sunday to gather support for their court challenge.

A ruling may come at the end of August.

STORY WRITTEN BY: CATLIN SPENCER