You may be surprised to learn that property rights are not protected or enshrined in our federal Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Due to this, provinces in Canada are free to pass legislation that routinely violates Canadians' private property. Nowhere in Canada is this more prevalent than in British Columbia, where even seemingly benign pieces of legislation often include troubling provisions that allow for the infringement and expropriation of British Columbians' property.
Under B.C.'s various riparian areas and water management legislation, taxpayers have little recourse if they find themselves victims of the provincial government. Unfortunately, many of these pieces of legislation were not properly studied and debated before being adopted by government. It is time for better government and better foresight in British Columbia - private property is not something to be played with. We think it is time for British Columbia to show some respect for citizens by implementing protections for private property and providing citizens with a way to appeal any injustices.
