Confidence vote could trigger spring election campaign in B.C.

A vote on changes to Indigenous rights legislation could trigger a snap election as early as next month. But how likely is that?

Spring is bursting forth in B.C.’s capital, as are rumours of an early election.

Former premier Christy Clark says she wouldn’t be surprised if the speculation came to fruition.

“I think (Premier David Eby is) trying to find a way to get himself out of the mess he’s put himself into,” said Clark Tuesday.

Last week, Premier Eby announced that he’d bring in legislation pausing various parts of DRIPA—the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. That bill is expected to be tabled as early as next week and will be designated a confidence vote—meaning if it doesn’t pass, it triggers an election.

“When the premier calls a confidence vote, he either wants to force an election or force everybody to put their cards on the table,” said Clark. “In this case, I think he’s trying to force an election.”

DRIPA is seen by many First Nations leaders as central to reconciliation, and was cited by the courts in two recent cases favouring Indigenous rights, including one related to mining. Indigenous leaders say if Eby does pass his bill, it would be a major blow to reconciliation.

“Putting pause to that is like putting pause to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for three years, and that’s something that just can’t be,” said Robert Phillips, the head of First Nations Summit.

Although the NDP has a one seat majority, the B.C. Conservatives and Greens have indicated they won’t support the bill, and the NDP has three Indigenous MLAs, including Joan Phillip, the wife of Grand Chief Stewart Phillip. It’s not known how she would vote, but the scenario is precarious for the government.

“The other thing he’s thinking about though, is presuming the Conservatives don’t field a candidate that is broadly acceptable to non-New Democrat voters,” Clark said.

This all comes as the NDP’s popularity plummets amid concerns about Indigenous rights and a record deficit, but also while the B.C. Conservatives, under interim Leader Trevor Halford, undergo a leadership race, culminating May 30. An early election would likely thrust Halford into the role as party leader for the election.

“I’ve been underestimated my entire life. If that’s part of their calculation, bring it on. I’ll be ready,” Halford said Tuesday.