David Khan on the Wetsuweten Nation and Coastal Gas Link Dispute

February 16, 2020 10:38 PM

David Khan on the Wet'suwt'en Nation - Coastal Gas Link dispute:

"I recently discussed this issue with Ryan Jespersen on his 630CHED daily morning radio show out of Edmonton. You can listen to it, here.

This brings me to Andrew Coyne's recent column. I really respect Mr. Coyne (a regular columnist and former editor of the National Post editorial pages, and a regular guest on CBC's The National's "At Issue" political panel), and I often agree with his columns.

But his most recent one, concerning the constitutional duty of the government to consult and accommodate First Nations, and the Wet’suwet’en Nation - Coastal GasLink dispute, doesn’t contribute constructively: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-duty-to-consult-fine-but-how-and-with-whom/?fbclid=IwAR01ZaqJQKdBP2-DAFFmUwsbhkGH9MWWTaBTnC002afBlR4Yo9oDNAMmxg0

The Supreme Court of Canada has been clear that Aboriginal title exists whereas in most of British Columbia—no Treaties exist.

The Court has been practically begging governments for decades to resolve this.

Its decisions have become more and more strident as they are not followed by governments. This culminated in its 2014 award of Aboriginal title of a vast area of British Columbia to the Tŝilhqot'in Nation: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/tsilhqot-in-first-nation-granted-b-c-title-claim-in-supreme-court-ruling-1.2688332?fbclid=IwAR3KnIEktLBpedGfAWoB8oTy0PvKLWtIbhdgPywb7r57lfNqbEhbj2xs64c

It’s made clear that Indigenous law/governance structures are legitimate.

It’s made clear that where Aboriginal title claims have not been resolved by litigation or negotiation (Treaties), the Constitutional s. 35 duty to consult (and accommodate)—a “sliding scale” depending on the circumstances—is closer to consent.

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Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan reacts to TMX decision

February 04, 2020 3:19 PM

Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan reacts to TMX Federal Court of Appeal decision

Calgary, AB (February 4, 2020): Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan responds to the Federal Court of Appeal decision dismissing four First Nations’ applications for judicial review of the TMX re-approval:

Khan stated, “This is good news for the Alberta economy, Indigenous communities and the rule of law. The Court affirmed the federal government fulfilled its constitutional duty to consult and accommodate First Nations affected by the Trans Mountain expansion project.

“Now it's time to build this important project and get Albertans working. 

“TMX will help Alberta get a better price for our oil and spur job creation in the oilpatch. This important project will also generate royalties and tax revenues to pay for social programs and generate investment in green energy. It will create jobs for First Nations, both along the route and in the oilsands. Canadians will benefit from coast to coast to coast.

 

 

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Are you ready for 2020?

December 31, 2019 6:12 PM

New Years Message from Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan:

Are you ready for 2020?

Thanks to YOU the Alberta Liberals will be able to start the New Year ready to fight Jason Kenney and the UCP.

An amazing number of donations have come in over the past few days and my team and I are re-energized and ready to hold this government to account.

I'm looking forward to the challenge!

There are only a few hours left before we ring in the New Year and only a few hours left for you to make that final donation and get your 2019 tax credit in the New Year. 

Thank you for your support!

Happy New Year.