How will the new tribunal work? Will it have the power to make binding decisions and who will make those decisions?
The Specific Claims Tribunal will be made up of the equivalent of six full-time sitting superior court judges, with the authority to make binding decisions. Under the Specific Claims Tribunal Act, a First Nation will have the option of filing its claim with the Tribunal if the claim is rejected for negotiation or if negotiations fail. The Tribunal will develop its own rules governing its practices and procedures as well as general rules for the management of its staff and administration of its internal affairs. The legislation also specifies that the Tribunal may make rules of practice and procedure related to time limits for its process.
