B.C. Liberal leader 'Indian bashing'

Page 10

Speaking to the faithful at their annual convention Nov. 19, B.C. Liberal leader Gordon Campbell promised "one law for all British Columbians."

His rejection of Native militancy was tied to a blanket dismissal of a negotiated land agreement, Aboriginal fishery and Native logging rights ? if they don't measure up to his own criteria for equality.

"Well not respect a settlement that does not reflect the principle of one law for all British Columbians," Campbell said, to huge applause.

"Under a B.C. Liberal government, road blocks will not be tolerated, illegal acts will not be rewarded.

"We will base our settlements on one single overriding principle: there will be one law for all British Columbians."

"This is Indian bashing, pure and simple," said Chief Joseph Goshell of the Nisga'a First Nation, on the verge of completing land-claim negotiations with the current government.

If Campbell sticks to his threat to refuse to ratify the treaty after the election, Gosehll said: "I'm afraid we're in for a pretty rough ride."