Aboriginal/Indigenous
Aboriginal Rights and Duty to Consult
Sparrow framework, Haida duty.
Sparrow (1990) sets the analytical framework for s.35(1): existing Aboriginal rights survive in their unencumbered form, and infringement requires Crown justification (valid objective; honour of the Crown; priority; minimal impairment; consultation; possible compensation). Haida (2004) extends the duty to consult and accommodate to the pre-proof phase, triggered by the honour of the Crown when Crown conduct may adversely affect asserted rights. Daniels (2016) confirms that Métis and non-status Indians fall within s.91(24).
Key principles
- Sparrow infringement and justificationTwo-step analysis: prima facie infringement, then Crown justification.
- Pre-proof duty to consultTriggered when the Crown has knowledge of a potential right and contemplates conduct that may adversely affect it.
- Honour of the CrownSource of consultation, accommodation, and good-faith negotiation duties.
Cases (12)
References re Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act
landmark2021 SCC 11
Supreme Court of Canada· 2021· Aboriginal/Indigenous
Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration) v. Vavilov
landmark2019 SCC 65
Supreme Court of Canada· 2019· Aboriginal/Indigenous
Daniels v. Canada (Indian Affairs and Northern Development)
landmark2016 SCC 12
Supreme Court of Canada· 2016· Aboriginal/Indigenous
Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia
landmark2014 SCC 44
Supreme Court of Canada· 2014· Aboriginal/Indigenous
Canada (Attorney General) v. Bedford
landmark2013 SCC 72
Supreme Court of Canada· 2013· Aboriginal/Indigenous
R. v. Ipeelee
landmark2012 SCC 13
Supreme Court of Canada· 2012· Aboriginal/Indigenous
Hill v. Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Police Services Board
landmark2007 SCC 41
Supreme Court of Canada· 2007· Aboriginal/Indigenous
Haida Nation v. British Columbia (Minister of Forests)
landmark2004 SCC 73
Supreme Court of Canada· 2004· Aboriginal/Indigenous
R. v. Powley
landmark2003 SCC 43
Supreme Court of Canada· 2003· Aboriginal/Indigenous
R. v. Gladue
landmark[1999] 1 SCR 688
Supreme Court of Canada· 1999· Aboriginal/Indigenous
R. v. Marshall
landmark[1999] 3 SCR 456
Supreme Court of Canada· 1999· Aboriginal/Indigenous
Delgamuukw v. British Columbia
landmark[1997] 3 SCR 1010
Supreme Court of Canada· 1997· Aboriginal/Indigenous