A Breach of Duty

In the landmark decision of Guerin v. the Queen in 1984, the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed that Canada has a duty to act in the best interests of Aboriginal peoples. This book tells the story of the federal government's breach of that duty toward the Musqueam people, their twenty-six year quest for justice, and the impact of the Court's decision on the development of Aboriginal law and the law of fiduciary obligations.

In the 1950s, Indian Affairs concealed the terms of a lease negotiated on behalf of the Musqueam of over one-third of their small reserve to the Shaughnessy Heights Golf Club in Vancouver, BC. The lease contained terms that had not been accepted by the Band members and locked the Band into low rental income for 75 years. It was only because of the diligence and tenacity of the Musqueam that justice was finally achieved in 1984 with the release of Guerin v. the Queen.

Against this background, the author discusses what fiduciary obligations are, unresolved issues regarding such obligations, and issues to consider in advancing or defending breach of fiduciary obligation claims. His thorough discussion includes the November 2004 Supreme Court of Canada decisions in Haida and Taku River. He also compares Canadian law with that of the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.