Hi John,

You may have heard about the Cowichan decision in British Columbia.

Here’s what happened: the B.C. Supreme Court declared the Cowichan First Nation has Indigenous title over parts of Richmond, B.C. 

The court said that Indigenous title overrules private land ownership. That decision could have major consequences for homeowners across Canada. 

“The court decision said that the Crown grant of land is invalid and that therefore the titles of land that follow from that are invalid,” said B.C. Premier David Eby. 

The premier is sounding the alarm that landowners might not actually own their homes – homes they’ve been paying taxes on – if the court decision stands. 

But we’re already seeing the consequences. 

Some mortgage brokers have sounded the alarm that folks may not be able to renew their mortgages while uncertainty over Indigenous title remains. 

The province has announced that it is appealing the B.C. Supreme Court’s decision. The federal government is also joining that appeal. So is the City of Richmond.

People have all sorts of opinions about this case, but the Canadian Taxpayers Federation works for YOU. 

Our lawyers are taking a very close look at the case right now, but before we get too far, we need to hear from you. So we have a simple one-question survey for you to answer. 
 

Thanks for making your voice heard - it makes a difference. 

Carson Binda
British Columbia Director
Canadian Taxpayers Federation

P.S.: What if you could fight tax hikes and wasteful spending before they even happen? Thousands of taxfighters like you are doing that by setting up automatic monthly donations. It’s easy to set up your monthly donation on our secure site today: https://www.taxpayer.com/donate/protect-your-values-365-days-per-year-