Weyerhaeuser Eyeing Looming Court Rulings

Weyerhaeuser Eyeing Looming Court Rulings

Tuesday, November 23, 2004 at 15:07

A lawyer for Weyerhaeuser says two court cases involving First Nations in the Maritimes could significantly affect how development occurs in northern Saskatchewan.

Next year, the Supreme Court of Canada is scheduled to rule in the Marshall case in Nova Scotia.

It involves a centuries-old claim upheld by two lower courts that First Nations residents there can pull their catch out of season.

Weyerhaeuser lawyer Anne Giardini says this case and a similar claim in New Brunswick will have more bearing on our province than last week’s Supreme Court decision concerning development in British Columbia.

She adds last week¹s ruling primarily impacted First Nations not covered under treaty, unlike the two that will be ruled on next year.

Rulings on the Maritime cases are expected by April.