B.C. premier defends proposed temporary suspension of parts of DRIPA in letter to Indigenous leaders

British Columbia Premier David Eby says a proposed move to suspend sections of the province’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act is intended to address legal uncertainty, not weaken First Nations rights.

In a letter to Indigenous leaders, Eby wrote that the government is considering a temporary pause on certain provisions of Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act to clarify how land use and resource management decisions are made. According to the letter, the goal is to resolve uncertainty that has emerged in regulatory processes.

Eby has previously argued that aspects of the law have contributed to delays in investment, particularly in the mining sector, which could affect the provincial economy. He said the proposed step is not permanent and is meant to provide interim clarity.

The premier also reiterated that the province remains committed to working in partnership with First Nations. He stated the pause would be temporary while legal questions are addressed.

According to reporting, one of the provisions under consideration is Section 3 of DRIPA, which requires the province to align its laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and work in consultation with Indigenous communities when developing legislation.

Eby said any suspension would remain in place only until the Supreme Court of Canada provides clarity on issues related to mining regulations and consultation requirements.