Aaron Gunn says land acknowledgements undermine private property
North Island–Powell River Conservative MP Aaron Gunn is warning that governments regularly making land acknowledgements threatens the bedrock of Canadian society: private property rights.
North Island–Powell River Conservative MP Aaron Gunn is warning that governments regularly making land acknowledgements threatens the bedrock of Canadian society: private property rights.
In a social media post earlier this week, Gunn questioned the practice of governments opening meetings by recognizing that they are taking place on the traditional or unceded territory of Indigenous nations.
Gunn argued that if the federal government claims to support private property rights strongly, it should reconsider statements that suggest the land Canadians live on was never formally transferred.
“Doing so reinforces the radical and dangerous legal concept that most Canadians live on “stolen land”. This is Canada. One country. For all Canadians,” said Gunn.
His remarks quickly spread across social media and drew responses from political figures in British Columbia, including BC Conservative leadership candidate and MLA Harman Bhangu.
Bhangu said the issue reflects a broader conversation happening among British Columbians about the security of property ownership.
He pointed to a private member’s bill introduced in the B.C. legislature by Independent MLA Tara Armstrong that sought to reinforce fee-simple private property rights in the province.
Fee-simple ownership is the most comprehensive form of land ownership under Canadian law, giving individuals broad rights over their property, subject to zoning rules and other government regulations.
“Our land title system was built on a promise: if you own property, you actually own it. That promise matters to every homeowner, every family, and every person trying to build a future in this province,” said Bhangu.
According to Bhangu, the proposed legislation aimed to reaffirm that British Columbians who legally purchase property should have their ownership rights clearly protected by the government. However, the bill did not receive support from the governing New Democratic Party and failed to advance.
Bhangu criticized the decision, arguing that the stability of British Columbia’s land title system depends on the principle that people who buy property can rely on secure ownership.
Land acknowledgements have become increasingly common across Canada in recent years.
Government bodies, universities and public institutions often begin meetings and events by recognizing the traditional territories of Indigenous nations.
This is Canada. We are all, like it or not Canadian, including the indigenous. The land acknowledgements are just another ridiculous program put into place by Justin to show fake reconciliation. What are we reconciling for? Canadian taxpayers have been financially supporting the indigenous for over a century. We have been building their homes, schools, supplying them with food, heating and education. Because of Justin’s “ reconciliation “ attempts, the indigenous have run with it and now feel entitled to more. It is time for them to show their appreciation for all that the Canadian taxpayer has given them and move on.
It is time to release the Indian tribes from the shackles of generational welfare based solely on race. Once the money is removed the Indian prob lem will go away and the Indians will learn to thrive on the great land reserves held in trust by the federal government. Over 150 years of one way reconciliation is enough. The billions of dollars spent on keeping Indians alive since Sir John A MacDonald is sufficient payment for any real or imaginary harm that may have occurred in the past. FYI, I live on Rez