WINNIPEG — Prime Minister Stephen Harper says the federal government will not appeal a court ruling over land being claimed by some Manitoba First Nations.
Harper says the government will meet with the First Nations involved, but he’s given no guarantee the aboriginal groups will get the land they want.
RELATED: Stephen Harper makes campaign stop in Winnipeg,
Get breaking National news
The Federal Court of Appeal last month upheld a lower-court ruling that said Ottawa failed to consult First Nations when it started disposing of the Kapyong Barracks.
The barracks are part of a former military base near a prime commercial area in Winnipeg.
Some Treaty One First Nations want to develop the area into an urban reserve.
- ‘Silencing the people of Ontario’ Provincial legislature remains silent amid extended summer break
- Owner of so-called ‘Hillbilly Houseboat’ speaks about invention
- New cost overrun scandal puts CAQ on defensive ahead of leaders’ debates
- B.C.’s deficit forecast up $450M to $13.8B after calculation errors on gas royalties
The court ruled the government must consult, before the land is sold off, with four First Nations who were never given the full amount of land they were promised under Treaty One.
The court ruling does not necessarily commit the government to give the land to the First Nations, but a lawyer for two of the aboriginal groups says he hopes that will be the result.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.