Skip to main content

“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

RIGGS -- What’s needed is a clear, province-wide, framework


RE:  CTV News -- DRIPA amendments, lack of transparency spark backlash in BC

After a two-week hiatus for spring break, the debate over the NDP government’s handling of First Nations rights continued Monday in the legislature ...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

When the Richmond news broke, I was frustrated like everyone else. But after looking into it, this didn’t come out of nowhere, and it’s not really about DRIPA.

The recent court decisions aren’t that the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) suddenly changing the rules. They’re the courts applying Section 35, which has been the law for over 40 years. Governments have always had a duty to consult. DRIPA didn’t create that, it was meant to bring some structure to a process that was already being fought out in the courts.

The real issue is uncertainty.

When the rules aren’t clear, projects stall, costs go up, and everything turns into a legal fight. That doesn’t help homeowners, industry, or First Nations. It just keeps lawyers busy.

Scrapping DRIPA won’t solve that. It likely puts us right back into a fragmented system with even more court battles. At the same time, unclear policy isn’t acceptable either.

Where the concern is valid is transparency. If changes are being discussed behind closed doors or under Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA’s), people are going to lose trust. You can’t expect public confidence if no one understands the process.

That’s why proposals like Scott McInnis’ Aboriginal Title Transparency Act matter. If the government won’t support transparency, people are going to start asking why.

What’s needed is a clear, province-wide, framework that respects constitutional rights, gives certainty to property owners and industry, and reduces the need for constant litigation.

Right now, it feels reactive instead of planned. That’s not how you run a job, and it’s not how you run a province.

Set the rules, make them clear, and let people get to work.

 

Mike Riggs ... is a contractor, and the father of two disabled daughters. He values hard work, real world perspective, and speaking common sense.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper to step down for Conservative Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to run in a by-election

Deputy Whip and MLA Reann Gasper has informed the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia of her decision to step down as MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, creating an opportunity for Conservative Party of British Columbia Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to seek the seat in a forthcoming by-election. Gasper said the decision was made carefully and deliberately, with the future of British Columbia firmly in mind. Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper “This is a decision I have made after a great deal of careful consideration, and I believe it is the right decision for me, for our Party, and for the work ahead,” said MLA Gasper. “It has been a privilege to represent the people of Abbotsford-Mission, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me. I am also grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside my colleagues in the Conservative Caucus and to contribute to our leadership team.” “I have confidence in Kerry-Lynne, in her leadership, and in her ability to ...
Post a Comment
Read more

NDP Sits on $61 Million With No Start Date for Burnaby Hospital

Phase 2 of Burnaby Hospital redevelopment  was green lit to go ahead in September 2023 The NDP spent $45 million on the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment, cancelled the second phase, and now has another $61 million listed for the project in the province’s Public Accounts, with no start date for construction. If the NDP cancelled the project, what is happening to the $61 million set aside for it? The Phase 2 project was expected to cost between $1.7 billion and $1.8 billion and was intended to expand the hospital’s capacity. With Burnaby’s population growing and residents struggling to access healthcare, the government should be investing in healthcare capacity, not leaving millions of dollars tied up in limbo. “The NDP spent $45 million on this project before cancelling it, and now $61 million remains listed for it in the Public Accounts,” said MLA Misty Van Popta, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure. “If the government isn’t going to build the hospital expansion, it should explain whe...
Post a Comment
Read more

BC Conservatives Point to Warning Signs in BC’s Economy

While Canada posted modest job gains in July, warning lights are still flashing in British Columbia. Youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, leaving too many first-time jobseekers shut out of the workforce. BC also lost 3,400 public administration jobs in July, likely as temporary Census positions ended. “BC's jobs divide remains stark. Unemployment is far higher in business-driven communities like Kelowna (9.3%) and Abbotsford-Mission (8.3%) than in Victoria (5.0%). Government should be focused on creating the conditions for private-sector investment and job growth,” said Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission and Shadow Minister for Economic Development. “We need an economy where young people can find work, businesses can hire, and every region has the opportunity to prosper.” This comes as BC faces five straight quarters where more businesses are closing than opening, an NDP cabinet rift over job-creating projects like Tilbury LNG, and fresh signs that even the province's to...
Post a Comment
Read more

Labels

Show more