Are the rights of non-Aboriginal people living on reserve land currently being protected?
The Canadian Constitution, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Criminal Code of Canada apply on reserve. However, British Columbia does not have jurisdiction over on-reserve issues. That responsibility continues to rest with the government of Canada. Treaty negotiations are intended to resolve lease arrangements on reserve, by giving residents who are not members of the First Nation a much clearer understanding of the foundation of these arrangements. Federal and provincial laws of general application will apply on treaty settlement land, including British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Act.
