B.C. NDP Caucus Shows Division Over Plan to Amend DRIPA

The NDP government in British Columbia is approaching two Independent MLAs to secure support for a proposed bill to suspend certain sections of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, known as DRIPA. The bill is intended to limit the province's legal exposure after a court ruling found that provincial mining laws did not comply with DRIPA.

Sources with direct knowledge of internal discussions reported that a growing number of NDP MLAs oppose the proposed changes. More than 10 NDP MLAs voiced concerns at an emergency caucus meeting on Saturday. The sources spoke on background as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Internal Meetings and Growing Opposition NDP political staff attended a meeting on Friday, according to the sources.

At a caucus meeting on Thursday, six NDP MLAs raised issues with the proposed amendments, and opposition has increased since then. The NDP holds a one-seat majority in the legislature, making unified support or additional votes from Independents necessary to pass the bill. The two Independent MLAs confirmed that the NDP government has contacted them regarding support for the bill.

They did not indicate their voting intentions. If introduced as a confidence motion, failure to pass the bill could lead to an election.

Background on DRIPA and Court Decision The Gitxaała decision determined that the province's mining laws were inconsistent with DRIPA.

Provincial officials stated last week that the ruling could lead to multiple legal challenges against other provincial laws that do not align with the act. The amendments are planned to be introduced soon to mitigate this risk. On Friday, the First Nations Leadership Council held a news conference where Indigenous leaders criticized the proposed changes to DRIPA.

The council described the approach as unilateral. DRIPA's implementation has been a key part of efforts to advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities in the province.

Statements from Officials and Broader Context When asked about caucus unity on the DRIPA amendments during a Monday event, a provincial official did not respond directly but indicated availability for media questions later.

On Friday, the official noted a diversity of views within the caucus. The official added that MLAs vote based on what they consider best for the province. C. Indian Chiefs president stated on Friday that his wife, an NDP MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant, opposes the suspension of DRIPA sections.

The president said she does not support any changes to the act. Efforts to reach the MLA for comment were unsuccessful. Sources indicated that NDP MLAs have been advised not to speak to media on the issue.

The proposed bill's status as a confidence motion means its passage is tied to the government's stability. Next steps may include delaying the bill's introduction due to internal dissent.