B.C. to appeal court ruling that recognized Aboriginal title to land south of Vancouver

B.C. is appealing the landmark decision of its Supreme Court that granted a group of First Nations on Vancouver Island title to riverside land in the mainland suburb of Richmond, saying the judgment raises questions about private-property rights.

Attorney-General Niki Sharma announced the appeal at a news conference Monday, saying the Cowichan Tribes v. Canada judgment must be reconsidered by a higher court because it could have significant, unintended consequences on the province’s system of real estate ownership, known as fee-simple title.