BC Conservatives Urge David Eby to Repeal DRIPA in Legislature Reconvening
The BC Conservatives are pressing Premier David Eby to reconvene the legislature and repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). This act, which came into effect in November 2019, aligns British Columbia’s laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) amid efforts for reconciliation.
Call for Immediate Legislative Action
Interim leader of the BC Conservatives, Trevor Halford, stated that recent court decisions necessitate urgent legislative action. He specifically referenced a court ruling on December 5, which deemed the provincial mineral claims regime inconsistent with UNDRIP.
- The Court of Appeal ruled that DRIPA should be interpreted to integrate UNDRIP into all B.C. statutes immediately.
- Halford emphasized that the ruling grants judges authority to declare provincial laws inconsistent with DRIPA.
Halford urged that the House should be reconvened right away, bypassing standard procedures to facilitate the repeal of DRIPA. “Let’s get this work done this week,” he asserted.
Concerns from Opposition
A’aliya Warbus, the official Opposition house leader, reassured that their intent is not to undermine Indigenous rights. She argued that DRIPA complicates the relationship between various Indigenous nations in British Columbia.
- Warbus pointed out the complexities created by the act, suggesting it duplicates existing rights.
- She insisted that individual and collective rights require careful distinction and processing to avoid leaving any group behind.
Warbus indicated that B.C. is currently facing legal uncertainties, which her party aims to address. “People are demanding legal certainty to protect their private property,” she noted.
Premier Eby’s Position
Premier David Eby has expressed a desire to amend DRIPA rather than abolish it. He underscored the significance of the court ruling and the need for careful consideration of any amendments, aiming to engage various stakeholders including First Nations and the business community.
“We are in a significant decision-making phase,” Eby commented, indicating a cautious approach to any changes. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that any adjustments would not exacerbate existing uncertainties.
Conclusion
The discussion around DRIPA highlights the complex dynamics of Indigenous rights and governance in British Columbia. The BC Conservatives maintain that immediate action is needed to clarify the rights of all British Columbians, while the Premier advocates a more measured approach to ensure thorough stakeholder consultation.
