British Columbia suspends Indigenous Rights Act

Canada — British Columbia's Premier David Eby's government plans to introduce legislation on Monday to suspend core elements of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) for one year, with cabinet having the power to extend it. This move comes after a court decision on Canada — British Columbia's mineral claims regime, which cited DRIPA, created serious litigation risk for the province. First Nations leaders vehemently oppose the suspension, having rejected previous proposals to amend or suspend the law. The First Nations Leadership Council has called an emergency meeting, and the First Nations has issued a statement opposing amendments. The government, holding a slim majority, faces challenges in passing the legislation, especially after opposition from Indigenous government MLA Joan Phillip led to the scrapping of a confidence vote on the suspension.