B.C.’s Forests minister is trying to reassure Kamloops area First Nations that despite being initially overlooked they will be consulted about the removal of land title records.

Doug Donaldson emphasized the authority’s independence from government while also expressing his concern that Kamloops area First Nations have not been consulted.

“It is outside of government it is not a government reporting entity. It makes its own decisions. We do not have control over it and that is the way the BC Liberals set it up. Having said that we recognize that maps and land documents are an important part of our shared history, and part of our heritage, and part of our collective path forward. We checked in to see if the LTSA has made representations to First Nations and if they haven’t they are going to be doing that.”

Donaldson says something is obviously awry.

“The government does not have the legal authority to direct the work of the LTSA but obviously there needs to be better communication between the LTSA and the First Nations in the region. We have been in touch with them and I understand staff from the LTSA will be reaching out to Chief Wilson and Chief LeBourdais and others to make sure dialogue happens.”

Donaldson is pointing the finger at the previous BC Liberal government over any potential job losses due to the removal of land title records from Kamloops.

“I am happy to know that there is no job losses within the organization. I understand the moving of the documents to a more climate controlled safer location so that they can preserved for uses in the future. I am hearing it may create some job losses in the private sector but this authority was created by the BC Liberals so if there is going to be job losses in the private sector that is something that they can answer too.”

Donaldson says when digitized the land title records will still be easily accessible for everyone.