Poll shows British Columbians divided on UNDRIP legislation

According to a new poll, British Columbians are divided on legislation B.C. passed to align with Indigenous rights protection group UNDRIP in 2019.

According to a poll released by Angus Reid Institute on Monday, British Columbians are divided on DRIPA – the legislation B.C. passed in 2019 to align with UNDRIP, the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“British Columbians are pretty attune to that and they’re quite divided,” said Dave Korzinski with Angus Reid Institute, Monday.

The legislation recognizes Indigenous rights and title and involves First Nations in decisions about public land and development.

The Angus Reid Institute’s poll shows 39 per cent of those surveyed think the UNDRIP legislation is necessary, but even more – 44 per cent – think the laws go too far in limiting provincial authority over land and resources.

“Reconciliation of the rights of these groups that were here – versus the challenges of land and development,” said Korzinski, framing some of the tension highlighted by the poll results.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, the president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, says he’s unfortunately not surprised by the poll results. “B.C. has always carried a history of somewhat adverse relations towards the First Nations people,” he said, noting tensions seem to have become more intense in the past decade.

And there was further tension over Indigenous land title and rights after the poll was conducted, with the recent decision in Cowichan Tribes of the court granting aboriginal title over land owned by the city of Richmond, and the crown that includes private property. It was the decision that triggered a quick appeal by the province.

Indigenous relations and reconciliation minister Spencer Chandra Herbert responded to the poll Monday, noting his role is especially important in the current political climate.

“I have to be certain that I’m being transparent with British Columbians. I’m upfront about what were trying to do, which is really about unlocking huge economic potential with First Nations people,” he told CTV News.

B.C. is the only province in Canada to pass UNDRIP legislation.

The poll shows a majority want to see a referendum on whether the province should keep it.

Fifty-seven per cent of NDP supporters are in favour of a referendum on the legislation and nearly 70 per cent of B.C. Conservatives want a referendum.

“The numbers suggests that it would be an interesting vote,” said Korzinski.

Chandra Herbet says there will be no referendum, but noted he and the province have plenty of work ahead to provide clarity and communication about the path to reconciliation.