Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Judge rules aboriginal elders, journalists can stay

A federal court judge has rejected a request by the Canadian government to bar journalists and aboriginal elders from a hearing into whether secret documents ought to remain secret.

Canada is claiming that more than 200 documents such as briefing notes and correspondence ought to be covered under solicitor-client priviledge. Those same documents could prove Ottawa is liable because it failed to protect three bands in the 1960s when a hydro dam flooded their land.

After a morning of wrangling, the judge said all debate about whether the documents are indeed privileged ought to be done as much as possible in open court. That will allow reporters and about 50 elders gathered this morning to remain in the courtroom, except when the two sides can't find a way to discuss the documents without revealing what's in them.

The First Nations say the whole case, which is now in its 18 year, is a waste of time and taxpayers money. Ottawa should simply negotiate, the say.

 

History

Updated on Monday, March 8, 2010 at 2:35 PM CST: Fixes typo

(You must be logged in to post your reaction)

Your reaction?

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

Poll

Manitoba has introduced legislation making helmets mandatory for cyclists under age 18. What's your opinion?

View Results

View Related Story

Proudly brought to you by:

The Dilawri Group

Ads by Google