David Eby

British Columbia’s NDP government will amend its landmark reconciliation law, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, in response to a BC Court of Appeal decision that found the province’s mineral claims regime is “inconsistent” with the requirements of DRIPA. The court’s judgment establishes a new benchmark for the implementation of the declaration… creating a binding obligation on government to abide by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, or UNDRIP. It is the second time in recent months that Eby’s government has had to respond to a court decision that redefines his reconciliation agenda. …On Monday, Mr. Eby told reporters his government will amend DRIPA, although he rejects calls from the opposition to repeal the law entirely. …As Canada and the provinces seek to quickly advance major resource projects in response to international trade instability, those commitments to seek consent will be tested. [to access the full story a Globe and Mail subscription is required]

In related coverage:

• James Murray in Net News Ledger: DRIPA now a legal lens for all provincial laws
• Rob Shaw in BIV: The unintended consequences of DRIPA land on BC’s doorstep
• Vaughn Palmer in the Vancouver Sun: Was Eby really suprised by the decision?
• Chief Terry Teegee in Global: DRIPA amendments would have a negative impact on reconciliation