Thomas Isaac was one of several experts who recently discussed the potential impacts of the Cowichan Decision with Business in Vancouver (BIV) for an article titled “Could the Cowichan Ruling Affect BC Property Assessments?”
Writes Jami Makan: “The bombshell BC Supreme Court ruling granting Cowichan Tribes ‘senior’ title over some private property in Richmond could potentially affect future property assessments in the province.”
In the discussion, Tom reiterates that the decision stated that the core provisions of the Land Title Act do not apply to Aboriginal title land. That he said, “applies to the whole province. That was not restricted to the City of Richmond.” He went on to call the entire system of indefeasible title a “cornerstone” of “our entire economy.”
Says Tom: “It’s about having an economy that can rely on private property ownership not being attackable.”