Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has sent a letter to B.C. MP Tako van Popta asking him to chair a new Conservative task force focused on property rights in the wake of recent court and land agreement developments in British Columbia.

In the letter, Poilievre cites the Cowichan Tribes v Canada decision, arguing it has raised concerns about private property ownership and financing uncertainty in parts of the province.

He says the ruling, which involved Aboriginal title claims over land in Richmond, B.C., has created uncertainty for homeowners and investors, and could have broader implications for fee simple ownership if similar claims succeed elsewhere.

Poilievre also points to the Musqueam Rights Recognition Agreement, saying it was negotiated without sufficient transparency or explicit protections for private property owners.

In the letter, Poilievre instructs the proposed task force to examine the impact of recent legal interpretations and federal policies on property rights and reconciliation, and to explore potential legislative and constitutional responses.

He also outlines several policy directions the Conservatives intend to pursue, including prioritizing private property rights in relation to Aboriginal title rulings, requiring explicit property protections in future agreements with First Nations, and developing a plan to respond to the B.C. court decision.

The Conservative leader says van Popta’s background in real estate law and municipal business organizations makes him well suited to lead the initiative.

The Conservative Party of Canada has not indicated when the task force will begin its work.