Reconciliation Is the Path Forward, Not Rustad’s Politics of Chaos
British Columbians deserve leaders who build stability and respect, not wedge politics and endless conflict.
At a moment when British Columbians need their political leaders to depoliticize reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, embattled BC Conservative Leader John Rustad used his speech at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention to fan the flames.
Fresh off winning a vote of confidence from 71% of the 1268 party members who participated in the leadership review, Rustad once again proved his own caucus is in shambles by firing another member. This time it was his experienced and effective public safety critic MLA Eleanor Sturko.
A few days later, Rustad delivered his speech to mayors and councillors from across the province where he articulated his primary objectives which a include a commitment to “repeal the HCA (Heritage Conservation Act) amendments, repeal DRIPA (Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act), and refer the Cowichan decision to the Supreme Court of Canada.”
While Rustad claims he is seeking predictability and certainty, repealing DRIPA would throw the province into needless fiscal, legal, and political turmoil.
What is DRIPA?
The DRIPA was passed unanimously into law in 2019. Rustad, and all the 87 members of the British Columbia legislative assembly, voted for it.
The province’s website outlines the purpose of DRIPA which is “to create a path forward that respects the human rights of Indigenous Peoples while introducing better transparency and predictability.” It provides a framework for reconciliation and gives the province tools to enter into agreements with Indigenous governments, including shared benefits and responsibilities.
The DRIPA is a tool for the provincial government to create certainty in governance that respects the human and constitutional rights of Indigenous people.
Rustad’s rollback to bitterness and division
Rustad is desperately looking for a distraction from his own failing as a political leader. In that context, it is no surprise that he rolls out a well-worn scapegoat in Indigenous rights and title. Rather than stepping into a leadership moment and trying to calm the concerns of British Columbians, he fans the flames of division between Indigenous rights and property rights, claiming they cannot co-exist.
Rustad wants to roll us back to the time when the province didn’t respect the human and constitutional rights of Indigenous Peoples. His approach undermines reconciliation efforts across government, communities, and industry. It is irresponsible in the extreme, and if Rustad has his way, he would throw more costly litigation and conflict onto the landscape.
Why it matters for everyone!
Rustad’s nostalgic rollback to a time of blissful ignorance is dangerous. He appears intent on leveraging Indigenous rights and title as a wedge issue that has been used since Confederation to deny, delay, and distract British Columbians from our legal obligations.
There is a lot on the line for everyone. For Indigenous people this is about the recognition and implementation of their human and constitutional rights. For the province and industry, Rustad promises endless uncertainty and an increasingly untenable and toxic investment climate. For the public, reconciliation offers a path to stability, while repealing the DRIPA is the direct path to more confrontation.
Forward vs. Backward
The BC Conservatives have spent their first year as the official opposition fighting amongst themselves. Rustad’s party is in shambles, and he is proposing to do the same for British Columbia.
Repealing DRIPA won’t restore certainty in our province, it would destroy it. Rustad’s politics of division don’t just fail Indigenous people, they fail every British Columbian.
We deserve leaders who build reconciliation into the foundation of our province and who understand that shared prosperity comes from respect, predictability, and stability. Reconciliation isn’t a political game, but rather a path forward for all British Columbians.
Well said Adam! We miss your voice of wisdom in the legislature! Thank you for speaking out against the backward thinking Rustad.
Then to make the situation worse, John Rustad shuffled his “Shadow Cabinet” and gave himself responsibility for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation!