Manitoba Wildlands  
Alberta Oilsands Legal Challenge 23 December 08

tar sands imageThe Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation in northern Alberta is challenging the province's system of granting land tenure. Members of the First Nation want the province to consult with them before granting leases to oilsands companies.

The noticed filed by the band in Edmonton Court of Queen's Bench claims oilsands permits sold to Shell Canada and other companies are invalid. Until the band is consulted with, they are asking the court to overturn the permits and stop further developments.

The Alberta government argues that because no actual development occurs when an exploration permit is sold, consultation is not necessary. The courts have ruled many times on government's legal duty to consult with First Nations regarding actions, which may infringe Aboriginal treaty or constitutional rights.

View December 11, 2008 CTV article
View December 11, 2008 CBC article
View December 11, 2008 Canadian Press article
View December 11, 2008 Canada.com article

Sources: CTV, CBC, Canadian Press, Canada.com
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