News Release - January 15, 2010

VICTORIA - The B.C. Liberal government must take steps to ensure First Nations are adequately consulted before hydro transmission lines are erected on their traditional territory, say the Official Opposition.

The B.C. Transmission Corporation is considering a transmission line known as the Interior to Lower Mainland line, running from Merritt to Coquitlam. More than two dozen First Nations have made submissions to the B.C. Utility Commission noting that their concerns have not been adequately addressed.

"I support the First Nations in their desire to have their concerns heard," said Fraser-Nicola MLA Harry Lali.

"The Courts have spoken on this issue and have made it very clear that governments - including Crown corporations - must adequately consult with First Nations," said Lali. "The First Nations clearly do not feel they have been consulted adequately and it's the B.C. Liberals' responsibility to rectify that situation."

"The BCTC has a responsibility to respect First Nations, their traditions and their territory," said John Horgan, the Official Opposition critic for Energy and Mines. "That includes proactively consulting when decisions affect traditional territory.

"It's unacceptable that the process has gone this far down the road and the Lillooet and Nlaka'pamux Tribal Councils and the Nicola Tribal Association are still waiting for adequate and meaningful consultation from the BCTC."

Official Opposition aboriginal relations critic Bob Simpson said the failure to consult stems from a lack of leadership from the B.C. Liberals.

"Time and again, we've seen the B.C. Liberals pay only lip service to consultation," said Simpson, "and that attitude is once again reflected in the BCTC process and the affected First Nations' belief the Liberals have failed to fully consult with them."

"There are some First Nations who say that their suggestions to implement different routes or technologies were ignored, while others believe the BCTC and BC Hydro must also not ignore the wide-ranging aboriginal rights and title issues," said Lali.

Carole James and New Democrats have been standing up to ensure that First Nations are respected and adequately consulted before activities take place on their traditional territory.

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Contact: Tim Renneberg  250-361-6314