(OTTAWA) - The Green Party of Canada welcomes the historic ruling that the Supreme Court of Yukon handed down today.The case involved the Yukon Government’s recent modifications to the Peel Land Use Plan. Yukon Supreme Court Justice Ron Veale ruled that the plan did not respect the land use planning process set out in the territory’s final agreements with First Nations. He ruled that the only way to rectify this was to resume consultations with First Nations on the final agreements of the land use plan.
"This is a significant victory for First Nations, for wilderness and for Canada,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and Member of Parliament for Saanich – Gulf Islands. “While I expect it will be appealed, it is a well reasoned and impressive decision."
Bruce Hyer, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay – Superior North, added that he was thankful that the court required the Yukon to resume consultation, upholding the rule of law.
“It is really gratifying when the government is forced by the courts to obey the laws of Canada,” Said Mr. Hyer.
This ruling will have a major impact on other land use strategies that are currently ongoing. Earlier this week, the Yukon Government and the the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and Vuntut Gwitchin governments suspended the Dawson Regional Land Use planning process pending the outcomes of the Peel Decision. This strategy will most likely have to follow similar requirements for consultation as the Peel Land Use plan.
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca