Thanks everyone for coming out to the Specific Claims Tribunal in Anacla last week. We had a great turnout and the Judge was able to see how important this issue is to Huu-ay-aht.
Closing arguments were heard on Thursday and we will be exchanging written submissions with Canada until the 20th of the December. After that, the judge will review the documents and the arguments made, and then will render a decision; a process that may take 6 months or more.
The Judge will decide on three questions:
1) Did Canada breach their duty to Huu-ay-aht 1948 by continuing with the long-term licence to Bloedel instead of retendering the timber at a higher price?
And if Canada did breach their duty in 1948,
2) What revenue should the Nation have received in the late 1940s and early 1950s? and
3) Must Huu-ay-aht be compensated for the reduced value of the current timber standing that resulted from the long-term licence?
If the judge decides in our favour there will still be a process required to bring forward any amounts payable from the late 1940s and early 1950s to current dollars. Canada and Huu-ay-aht might be able to negotiate the ‘bring forward’ or it might go back to a hearing. That process could take up to a year or more.
We will potentially receive a final decision on all aspects by the end of next year. We will keep everyone informed if new information or developments come up.
