The Líl̓wat Nation is taking the B.C. government and BC Hydro to court over the application of DRIPA, which is the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
Three years ago, the Líl̓wat Nation purchased a majority stake in a hydro plant near Whistler, the Brandywine Creek Run-of-River Power Project, which has enough electricity to power 3,500 homes.
Now the nation is taking the B.C. government to court, arguing that the renewal rate offered by BC Hydro was too low and violated the government’s duty to consult.
In a petition to the court, the nation is claiming that the Crown failed in its constitutional duty when negotiating a new deal for the price for that power.
“BC Hydro has presented its arguments and its view, which is consistent across IPPs (independent power producers) and will continue to support the acquisition of electricity and ensure our customers are protected,” B.C.’s Energy Minister, Adrian Dix, said on Tuesday.
In court filings, the nation says that BC Hydro “has absolutely refused to discuss or consider the interests of the Lil’wat Nation in the renewal of the Rockford EPA (Electricity Purchase Agreement).”
Read the full article at Global News: B.C. government’s DRIPA legislation at centre of court challenge