A Vancouver Island First Nation says the federal and provincial governments have filed appeals of a court ruling that cleared the way for a class action lawsuit about sea lice.
Kwicksutaineuk/Ah-Kwa-Mish First Nation Chief Bob Chamberlin says he's frustrated that the class action certification will be reviewed by the B.C. Court of Appeal.
The KAFN contends that open-net pen fish farms in the Broughton Archipelago, off the northeastern tip of Vancouver Island, have caused an outbreak of sea lice in the First Nation's traditional fishing grounds.
Its lawsuit targets the Agriculture Ministry and seeks financial compensation for depleted wild salmon stocks.
The province unsuccessfully tried to block the Dec. 1 court ruling by arguing First Nations are generally barred from class action suits because all members would be required to individually prove their aboriginal fishing rights.
Judge Harry Slade rejected those arguments and Chamberlin says he's saddened senior governments want to overturn the decision and delay any work toward a more sustainable fishery.
