Selection Of Claims Tribunal Judges Concerns AFN

Selection Of Claims Tribunal Judges Concerns AFN

Tuesday, December 07, 2010 at 13:57

 

 

A national Aboriginal leader is expressing concern with the country’s Specific Claims Tribunal.

 

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo says he is concerned about how the judges for the tribunal are appointed.

 

Ottawa recently announced that all three serving judges would be reappointed for new terms.

 

Atleo says he would like to have a more meaningful say in how those appointments are carried out and who gets chosen.

 

Other chiefs in Ontario have already called for one of the judges to be tossed off the tribunal.

 

Justice Patrick Smith oversaw a prominent case involving a First Nation and a mining firm.

 

The K.I. versus Platinex dispute drew national headlines and resulted in a judgment that favoured the company.

 

Smith rendered that decision.