British Columbia to Suspend DRIPA

Canada===British Columbia Premier David Eby's government plans to introduce legislation to suspend parts of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) for one year, with cabinet having the ability to extend the suspension. This move follows a court decision citing DRIPA that Eby claims puts Canada===British Columbia at serious litigation risk, particularly concerning mineral claims. The decision has been met with vehement opposition from First Nations leaders, including the First Nations Leadership Council, First Nations Summit, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, and British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, who argue it undermines reconciliation and increases legal risk. The government's plan has also faced internal opposition, with Indigenous MLA Joan Phillip indicating she cannot vote for the bill, posing a challenge for David Eby's minority government. The Canada===Supreme Court of Canada is expected to rule on an appeal related to the mineral rights decision.