On March 11, CBABC wrote to Premier Eby about the government’s intention to amend the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Proposed changes could limit the courts’ role resolving disputes about the consistency of B.C. laws with UNDRIP.
Further details have not yet been released. However, proposed amendments risk undermining the rule of law and Supreme Court of Canada jurisprudence on Reconciliation, damaging relationships with Indigenous governing bodies, and increasing uncertainty and litigation risk.
CBABC calls for:
- Clarity on the government’s proposed amendments
- Confirmation that judicial oversight and access to the courts will not be restricted
- Co-development of any amendments with Indigenous governing bodies and Indigenous legal experts
- Public release of draft legislation before introduction
Questions? Email us at advocacy@cbabc.org