Among the arguments, CBC reported, was the lack of consultation on the project’s economic feasibility, which the court ruled wasn’t a factor that could be considered under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act.
The Kaska lawyers also contested the court’s ruling that the First Nation had not met its “reciprocal duty” and “frustrated” the consultation process by not replying to correspondence or agreeing to meetings in a timely manner.
The hearing comes six months after a decision from a government body appeared to resolve the dispute between BMC and Kaska, and clear a path towards permitting. That decision was the result of consultations between the Yukon and federal governments, the Ross River Dena Council (RRDC), Liard First Nation (LFN) and community members. The RRDC represents the Kaska Nation. The KZK project has faced delays related to disputes with First Nations for more than a…
