VANCOUVER, BC – BC Conservative leadership candidate Iain Black today responded to Premier David Eby's withdrawal of his DRIPA suspension legislation, calling the retreat a cynical act of political self-preservation that leaves British Columbians without the protection they urgently need.
"David Eby has placed British Columbians in a bad spot – and we need a path out," said Black. "By withdrawing this bill, the Premier has put the protection of private property rights on the back burner in favour of his own political survival. The homes and private property of British Columbians are far more important and valuable than David Eby's failing political career."
Just three days ago, Eby himself acknowledged the severity of the legal crisis his own legislation had created. In his own words, DRIPA was "opening the door to a tidal wave of litigation, the end results of which are unpredictable and uncertain." The Premier went further, declaring: "I cannot in good conscience leave this litigation risk unaddressed."
"David Eby described a tidal wave of litigation threatening British Columbians' property rights – and then walked away from his own solution the moment it became politically inconvenient," said Black. "That is not leadership. That is a Premier choosing his own survival over the security of every homeowner and property owner in this province. British Columbians are not mere pawns in David Eby’s cynical game of political chess."
Black called on British Columbians to reject half-measures and demand permanent, structural change.
"A pause was never the answer," said Black. "A retreat from a pause is even less of one. The only real solution is to repeal DRIPA altogether and return British Columbia to a system where the rights of every British Columbian – Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike – are protected equally under the rule of law."
IAIN BLACK'S PLAN FOR DRIPA AND PROPERTY RIGHTS
Black outlined his comprehensive approach, which goes further than any other candidate in the BC Conservative leadership race:
Repeal DRIPA on Day One. Bill 1 of an Iain Black government will be "An Act to Repeal DRIPA and Section 8.1 of the Interpretation Act." Not a pause. Not an amendment. A full repeal on the first day of his government.
Repeal Section 8.1 of the Interpretation Act. This provision gave DRIPA its legal teeth by embedding a non-binding UN declaration into provincial law – something no other jurisdiction in the world has done. Its repeal is essential to restoring legal certainty across BC.
Return to Section 35 of the Constitution. BC will return to governing within the existing constitutional framework – Section 35 of the Constitution Act – and apply it with discipline, transparency, and confidence. Meaningful, good-faith consultation with Indigenous Nations will continue, with the clear understanding that consultation does not constitute a veto.
End secret backroom negotiations. No more deals struck without the knowledge or consent of British Columbians. Full transparency and the rule of law will govern every discussion between the provincial government and First Nations.
Enshrine private property rights in the Canadian Constitution. Black will approach his fellow Premiers to pursue a constitutional amendment to Section 35, permanently adding private property rights to the Canadian Constitution – removing all doubt and ensuring no future government can repeat what this one has done.
Restore investor confidence and economic certainty. DRIPA's legal uncertainty has driven investment out of BC and paralyzed the resource sector. Repeal will restore the confidence that ranchers, miners, forestry operators, and investors need to plan, hire, and build.
"Repealing DRIPA is the easy part – it takes about three days," said Black. "What comes after requires experienced leadership: navigating the legal aftermath, renegotiating relationships on a foundation of mutual respect and constitutional clarity, and restoring the investment confidence that eight years of NDP mismanagement has destroyed. That is exactly the kind of transformational challenge I have spent my career preparing for."
"We need to repeal DRIPA altogether and revert to a system in BC where the rights of all British Columbians are respected. Experience Matters – and on this issue, it has never mattered more."
Black is the only candidate in the BC Conservative leadership race who has served in Cabinet, sat on the BC Treasury Board, and led major organizations through complex transformational change. The BC Conservative membership deadline is April 18, 2026. The leadership vote takes place May 28–29, with the new leader announced May 30.