Six Nations of the Grand River (SNGR) will hear evidence presented by the Governments of Canada and Ontario’s expert witnesses beginning in September in preparations for its upcoming trial for lands lost along the Grand River.
Director of Lands and Resources, Lonny Bomberry made the announcement during the June 28 Chief and Council Radio Show.
Bomberry says the case, which began in 1995, has largely been delayed on the crown’s part but also says a shortage of superior court judges, and other parties intervening in the case, have delayed the process as well.
Chantalle Aubertin, spokesperson for Minister of Justice Arif Virani, says 13 new superior court judges were appointed last month and the minister continues to ensure that judicial applications do not sit in the office of the Commissioner of Judicial Affairs “a day longer than necessary.”
Bomberry says the crown will present its evidence before the trial starts to ensure that historical documents can be used during the trial and that SNGR will have the opportunity to cross-examine those witnesses. He adds that the evidence will be presented by the Crowns’ expert witnesses in September and October.
