The Haida Nation claimed title to Haida Gwaii and objected to the Province of British Columbia's replacement and transfer of a Tree Farm Licence to Weyerhaeuser Company Limited.
The Supreme Court of Canada held that the Crown has a legal duty to consult with Aboriginal peoples and accommodate their interests prior to making decisions that might adversely affect their as yet unproven Aboriginal rights and title claims.
This duty is grounded in the honour of the Crown and applies to both federal and provincial governments.
However, the Court found that third parties, such as Weyerhaeuser, do not owe an independent duty to consult or accommodate.
