Specific Claims Tribunal

Many apologies for not posting anything for a few days.  I guess I am little surprised how interested people are in hearing about these issues.

Also, in case I haven't mentioned, their motto here is 'Read 'til your eyes bleed'.  So I've been reading.  A lot.

Anyhow, enough complaining.  We had a very interesting speaker yesturday, the Honorable Harry Slade QC who heads up the newly formed Specific Claims Tribunal.

Essentially, and from my understanding, there is sufficient enough specific claims by First Nations whereas the conventional court system is not able to effectively resolve the issues that warrant a resolution somewhat external to the system - hence the creation of the Specific Claims Tribunal.

They still have to act within the law, but have considerably more flexibility on such matters as to what is admissable to evidence (i.e. oral history) and can greatly reduce the otherwise conventional delay tactics used by lawyers, arrggghhh those lawyers.

The creation of the Specific Rights Tribunal was supported by every federal party in 2008 and speaks to the will of Canada, or successful pressure from the indigenous, depending on how you look at it, to force the settlement of land claims.

I think this may be especially important for the Douglas Reserve Initiative since, from what I can gather, might meet the qualifications to be considered by the tribunal, if the current legislative action is unsuccessful.  There is however a $150M cap on compensation for lost land.

On a side note, he told us that he didn't particularly like law school.  When asked if he had any advice for young law students he recommended marijuana (but qualified that he himself never partook).

I included the link for those of you who are interested.

http://www.sct-trp.ca/hom/index_e.htm

**Just interesting; you used to have to get the permission of British Columbia to sue them.  Usually they would decline your offer.

Cheers!
c