B.C. Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson has reaffirmed his commitment to repealing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) after securing a decisive victory in Saturday’s snap election. The Conservative leader, who won a sweeping majority, announced his intent to move forward with the repeal as soon as his government is sworn in.
Doerkson, who represents the Cariboo-Chilcotin electoral district, won 48 of 87 seats, defeating incumbent Premier David Eby and the BC NDP. His victory was described as a landslide, with his party gaining significant ground in rural and suburban areas. The election, called by Eby to address governance issues, saw a surge in support for the Conservatives, particularly in regions where Indigenous rights policies have been a point of contention.
Doerkson, a former MLA from Williams Lake, has long been a vocal critic of DRIPA, which he argues undermines provincial authority and imposes federal mandates on local governance. His campaign focused on restoring control to regional governments and reducing federal overreach. The repeal of DRIPA would mark a major shift in Indigenous policy, aligning with his party’s platform of localized decision-making.
The election results reflect a broader political realignment in B.C. With the Conservatives gaining traction in areas previously dominated by the NDP. Doerkson’s rapid rise from a relatively unknown MLA to premier-designate underscores the shifting political landscape. His government, once projected to take office within weeks, is now expected to begin its legislative session with immediate action on key policy issues.
The repeal of DRIPA remains a contentious issue, with Indigenous leaders and advocacy groups expressing concerns over its potential impact on treaty rights and self-determination. As Doerkson prepares to lead the province, the debate over Indigenous governance and federal-provincial relations is likely to intensify in the coming months.
