In fact, say some, it could mean an end to the halting progress already made.
Tony Penikett is one of those who are alarmed. A former NDP premier in the Yukon, he’s been involved in treaty making for years. Now he’s a senior fellow at Simon Fraser University, focusing on treaty issues.
“If there’s a Harper government after June 28, that may effectively end treaty negotiations in B.C.,” he says.
Treaties don’t get any mention in the Conservative platform. But Penikett and others note the influence of Tom Flanagan, the Calgary academic who is national campaign manager and a long-time close advisor to leader Stephen Harper.