A prominent First Nations leader out of northern B.C., and former provincial cabinet minister, has been charged with four sex crimes alleged to have occurred 45 years ago.
The B.C. Prosecution Service announced this morning (Nov. 14) it has appointed a special prosecutor to manage allegations levelled at Edward John, Hereditary Chief of the Tl’azt’en Nation near Fort St. James, roughly 215 km northwest of Prince George.
The 70-year-old is charged with four counts of having sexual intercourse with a female person without her consent for incidents alleged to have occurred between Mar. 1 and Sept. 15, 1974.
A special prosecutor is being used to “avoid any potential for real or perceived improper influence in the administration of justice,” considering John’s prominent stature.
Michael Klein QC, a private practice lawyer from Vancouver will manage the prosecution.
John's first appearance in court is scheduled for Dec. 10, 2019 in Prince George Provincial Court.
He served as both councillor and chief of the Tl'azt'en Nation between 1974 and 1992, and was also chief of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council from 1984 to 1988.
John was appointed to B.C.'s cabinet as the NDP’s Minister of Children and Families in November 2000, serving until the change of government in June 2001.
He is a lawyer, holds an honourary degree from UNBC and is involved prominently at the national level in the Assembly of First Nations and First Nations Summit.
- with files from Colin Dacre, Castanet
