Statement regarding BC Supreme Court Dismissal of Claim Against ICF

PRESS RELEASE
ICF, July 2, 2020

Statement regarding BC Supreme Court Dismissal of Claim Against ICF

 

We are pleased with the determination by the Supreme Court of British Columbia, and the dismissal of claims, in relation to the current and future use of the island corridor as a railroad.  This determination brings clarity to the issue of the future of rail operations north of Nanaimo and to Port Alberni.

While we are pleased with the determination, we also believe this case highlights the level of frustration among our First Nations partners, and the public at large, for the lack of progress on the return of rail service to the island.  This determination should not be mistaken for an invitation to delay progress but as a clarion call to move forward with restoration of rail service.  It should also send a clear message to our Provincial and Federal governments that they need to justly, and equitably, resolve Aboriginal title and rights issues with our First Nations partners which are in part behind this case.

The Island Corridor Foundation was founded as a partnership between First Nations and the Regional Districts with the promise of keeping the corridor as one continuous corridor, connecting our First Nations and all island communities, for their mutual social and economic benefit.  It is time to deliver on that promise and we look forward to working with the Federal and Provincial governments to making it happen.

Statement regarding BC Supreme Court Dismissal of Claim Against ICF

To read the full BC Supreme Court decision click here.