Brenda Sayers of Hupacasath First Nation at press conference discussing Canada-China FIPA trade agreement.
Photo Credit: David P. Ball and Hupacasath First Nation

Small group of Indigenous people fighting Canada-China trade agreement

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A small group of Indigenous First Nation people on Canada’s Pacific coast will continue to fight for consultation rights in a major Canada-China trade agreement, despite a ruling on Monday (August 26) by the Federal Court of Canada.

The Hupacasath First Nation on Vancouver Island went to the court seeking a declaration that Canada is required to consult and accommodate First Nations, including the Hupacasath, prior to ratifying the Canada-China FIPPA trade agreement (CCFIPPA).

The agreement would set conditions for the “Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments” between the two countries.

The Hupacasath, and their supporters, are concerned that crucial rights and environmental concerns over natural resource development would be compromised by the deal. It was signed in September, 2012, but still has to be ratified.

On Monday, Chief Justice Paul S. Crampton ruled the “potential adverse impacts” on the Hupacasath were not established. The ruling could be appealed, if the Hupacasath find sufficient funding.

RCI’s Wojtek Gwiazda spoke to Brenda Sayers, the Hupacasath First Nation porfolio holder for the Canada-China FIPPA.

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More information:
Press release Hupacasath First Nation and Union of BC Indian Chiefs – here
Federal Court Ruling (pdf) – here
Text of “Agreement Between the Government of Canada and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments” – here
Hupacasath First Nation website – www.hupacasath.ca

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Categories: Economy, Indigenous, Politics
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