British Columbia Premier Eby Scraps DRIPA Suspension

Canada===British Columbia Premier David Eby has repeatedly backed down on plans to amend or suspend key parts of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). Initially, Eby proposed amendments, then a three-year suspension, and most recently, a plan to table a suspension bill, all of which were met with strong opposition from First Nations leaders. The premier's office has now confirmed that no DRIPA legislation will be introduced this session. This series of reversals stems from a recent court decision on Canada===British Columbia's mineral claims regime that cited DRIPA, putting the province at serious litigation risk. The government now aims to work with First Nations to develop a joint approach for DRIPA's implementation, under a framework for negotiations, with initial meetings expected within two weeks.