Indigenous legislation among top issues at Union of B.C. Municipalities convention

The Union of B.C. Municipalities convention commenced in Vancouver on Monday, with Indigenous rights legislation taking center stage. Nearly 2,000 municipal leaders are expected to attend the event, which runs until Friday. The agenda includes discussions surrounding the province's Indigenous rights legislation, housing, and public safety concerns.

Cori Ramsay, president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities, emphasized that the future of B.C.'s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) will be a primary focus for the delegates. Many local governments are dedicated to reconciliation and have been striving to establish relationships with First Nations over the years. However, city councillor from Prince George, B.C., has expressed concerns about uncertainty stemming from recent court rulings.

In a significant ruling, the B.C. Court of Appeal determined that DRIPA should be interpreted to integrate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into provincial laws immediately. Premier David Eby reversed his plan to suspend or amend DRIPA in April due to strong opposition from Indigenous leaders. Some members of the provincial Conservatives have advocated for the complete repeal of the law.

During the convention, delegates will urge Eby's government to reverse funding clawbacks for community housing, address the mental health and addiction crises in BC communities, and recommit funding to the FireSmart program designed to enhance resilience against the increasing frequency of wildfires. Premier Eby and B.C. Conservative Party Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay are among the scheduled attendees for the conference.