3 Yukon First Nations say they are suing feds over Bill S-6
First Nations have hired a law firm in BC, say they plan to file court action later this month
Three Yukon First Nations say they plan to sue the federal government over Bill S-6, which amends the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act.
The Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation and the Teslin Tlingit Council announced their decision to take the federal government to court in a joint release issued Thursday.
Bill S-6, which was passed by the House of Commons in June, has been contentious for over a year. Yukon First Nations say four amendments in particular undermine their Umbrella Final Agreement, while the federal and territorial governments say the amendments are necessary to attract business to the territory.
"Yukon First Nations made every effort to resolve this issue through discussions and presenting sound options," said Chief Carl Sidney in the statement. "Both the federal and territorial governments refused to engage in meaningful discussions."
The First Nations will be represented by Ratcliff & Company, a B.C.-based legal firm. They are expecting the court action to be filed later this month.