The leader of the BC Conservative Party pledged to build bridges and promote economic reconciliation with First Nations on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a move Indigenous leaders slammed as “political opportunism.”
Flanked by Indigenous candidates and supporters on the shores of Cultus Lake in Chilliwack, John Rustad committed to providing clean water and housing on reserves and “going after” the federal government for costs, looking at a loan guarantee program, and turning over land.
“We are going to be looking at land strategically in terms of returning First Nations to unleash economic potential,” he said, using forestry as an example. “A key piece of that is the First Nations will be the landlords of that land – it will not be land that receives a double stumpage.”
Rustad struck a different tone this year than he did last year, when he ignited a firestormof controversy after tweeting that Orange …