K'omoks First Nation pushes back on Poilievre's treaty opposition

Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre announced Friday that he and Conservative MPs will oppose ratification of a treaty between the K'omoks First Nation, British Columbia, and Canada, claiming it fails to "explicitly and clearly protect property rights."

The treaty passed the B.C. Legislature this spring. Parliament is expected to vote on its ratification next year.

K'omoks First Nation Chief Nicole Rempel rejected the characterization. "If Mr. Poilievre had taken the time to read the treaty in full rather than just the talking points, I think he would have a better grasp of the treaty and what it means," she said. "To that extent, K'omoks is a little disappointed that he is making these comments without having reached out to K'omoks First Nation."

Rempel said the treaty does not involve private property beyond land already purchased by the nation. She accused Poilievre of "feeding the fear and racism" about reconciliation for political gain. "I think it's difficult to take criticism seriously when it's based on claims that simply aren't true," she said.

Several members of the B.C. Conservative Party voted to pass the provincial legislation, including Courtenay-Comox MLA Brennan Day. B.C. Minister of Indigenous Relations Spencer Chandra Herbert said, "If they understood law, they would know that it's going to lead to more prosperity in the Comox Valley."

Federal Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty's office said claims that the treaty creates uncertainty or threats to property rights are a misrepresentation. "Through negotiation rather than lengthy legal battles, we can protect property rights while advancing reconciliation," a spokesperson said.

Rempel said the treaty, which resulted from more than 30 years of negotiations, would mean economic opportunities, certainty, and freedom from the Indian Act for members of her nation—a goal they have pursued for decades.