Ravina Bains

Recent Research by Ravina Bains

— May 26, 2016
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Duty to Consult with Aboriginal Peoples

The Duty to Consult with Aboriginal Peoples: A Patchwork of Canadian Policies spotlights the legal duty to consult – a principle in Canadian law that obligates federal and provincial governments to consult Aboriginal peoples prior to making decisions that could affect Aboriginal or treaty rights. The study finds that the duty to consult has been implemented by provincial governments in different ways:  This has resulted in a patchwork of policies that can be difficult to navigate for Aboriginal people and for project proponents who are trying to advance development projects that cross provincial boundaries.

— Mar 10, 2016
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Government Spending and Own-Source Revenue for Canada's Aboriginals: A Comparative Analysis

Government Spending and Own-Source Revenue for Canada’s Aboriginals: A Comparative Analysis finds that federal and provincial government spending on Canada’s aboriginal population has risen dramatically—well beyond spending for other Canadians—yet education and employment outcomes in many aboriginal communities remain dire. For example, federal government spending through Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (which does not represent all federal government spending related to Aboriginals) increased to $7.9 billion (adjusted for inflation) in 2013/14 from $82 million over the past six decades.

— Nov 17, 2015
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Economic Development in Jeopardy

Economic Development in Jeopardy? Implications of the Saik'uz First Nation and Stellat'en First Nation v. Rio Tinto Decision, spotlights how the recent Supreme Court decision opens the door for future aboriginal title litigation by First Nations groups against private parties —litigation previously only brought against provincial and federal governments.