Ottawa Says It Will Appeal BC Court Decision Granting Land Title to First Nation

The Peace Tower and other buildings are seen on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on March 9, 2025. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

The federal government says it is appealing a B.C. Supreme Court decision that granted land title rights in Richmond, B.C., to a First Nation based on historical ownership.

B.C.’s NDP government previously confirmed the province will appeal the decision, with Attorney General Niki Sharma saying in a statement it raises “significant legal issues” and “could have significant unintended consequences for fee simple private property rights in B.C.”