Steelworkers Warn Against Weakening BC Indigenous Rights Framework, Citing Economic Risks

Union Expresses Deep Concern Over Proposed Changes

The United Steelworkers (USW) union has voiced significant apprehension regarding potential changes to British Columbia's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). On February 13, 2026, Scott Lunny, USW Director for Western Canada, released a statement emphasizing that any move to amend or repeal the legislation could jeopardize economic stability and employment across the province.

'Resource sectors sustain working families across British Columbia. Those jobs depend on industry investment and that investment relies on certainty,' Lunny stated. He added that 'certainty has successfully depended on the stability that reconciliation provides.'

DRIPA: A Framework for Reconciliation and Stability

Enacted in November 2019, DRIPA established the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as the foundational framework for reconciliation in British Columbia. The Act mandates the provincial government to align its laws with UNDRIP and to develop an action plan in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples.

The USW highlights that this framework has been crucial in fostering predictable environments for major projects. They cited successful examples of joint decision-making agreements with the Tahltan, 'Namgis, and Nlaka'pamux Nations, which have created clearer pathways for mining projects and forestry operations. According to the union, such collaborative efforts 'reduce the risk of costly conflict that can stall development and derail progress,' ultimately protecting workers, project timelines, and paycheques.

Premier Eby's Stance and Indigenous Opposition

The discussion around amending DRIPA gained momentum following a December 5, 2025, British Columbia Court of Appeal ruling. This decision found that the government's obligations under the Declaration Act are legally enforceable. In response, Premier David Eby indicated a willingness to introduce amendments to the Act, arguing that judges should not be dictating the province's reconciliation agenda. Eby expressed concerns that the court's decision could lead to 'less certainty, not more; more conflict, not less.'

However, more than 100 First Nations leaders and Indigenous organizations have united in strong opposition to these proposed changes. They argue that altering the Act would undermine hard-won progress on reconciliation and could result in increased litigation and conflict. Merle Alexander, a lawyer involved in drafting the original Declaration Act, described the idea of unilaterally changing its core purposes as 'extremely offensive.'

Economic Implications and the Path Forward

The USW's warning underscores the belief that stable investment, consistent employment, and reliable public revenues are intrinsically linked to the continued implementation of DRIPA. The union, representing 225,000 members across Canada in various economic sectors, has a long-standing commitment to reconciliation and socio-economic justice based on Indigenous rights and UNDRIP principles.

First Nations leaders have also emphasized that the well-being of all British Columbians depends on recognizing Indigenous human rights and their inclusion in decision-making processes concerning their territories. The upcoming spring legislative session is expected to see the introduction of proposed amendments, setting the stage for further debate on the future of Indigenous rights and economic development in British Columbia.