Fee simple, or what we simply understand as the free market, exists everywhere in Canada, except on reserves. Reserve lands are generally about one-tenth as productive as other lands in Canada. Christmas also identified the loss of value inherent in converting productive lands to reserve lands. What matters is the success of turning fee simple land holdings into growth-producing economic activity. Empowering aboriginal communities with more economic tools means that First Nations can take control of their own futures.

Source: National Post October 03, 2016 11:37 UTC