Rolling back B.C.’s Indigenous rights framework threatens economic certainty and jobs, United Steelworkers warns

This section is Partnership Content suppliedThe content in this section is supplied by GlobeNewswire for the purposes of distributing press releases on behalf of its clients. Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Article contentBURNABY, British Columbia, Feb. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — United Steelworkers union (USW) Director for Western Canada, Scott Lunny, is raising concerns about calls to amend or repeal the British Columbia government’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentDirector Lunny released the following statement:Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article content“Resource sectors sustain working families across British Columbia. Those jobs depend on industry investment and that investment relies on certainty.Article contentArticle content“Here in B.C., certainty has successfully depended on the stability that reconciliation provides. By putting durable frameworks in place and working collaboratively to advance responsible development, we are able to build the certainty on which major projects depend. That is how we build prosperity that benefits every British Columbian.Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article content“The United Steelworkers union is deeply concerned about calls to amend or repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. While discussion, shared decision-making and negotiated agreements may take work, this work reduces the risk of costly conflict that can stall development and derail progress.Article content“We’ve seen this work in practice. Joint decision-making agreements with the Tahltan, ‘Namgis and Nlaka’pamux Nations created clearer pathways for mining projects and forestry operations. That level of clarity protects workers, timelines and paycheques for the long term.Article content“Economic growth depends on stable investment, stable employment and reliable public revenues that provide the services that are vital to communities across B.C. Continuing the path to reconciliation is essential to achieving this stability.”Article contentArticle contentAbout the United Steelworkers unionThe USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.Article contentEach year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of the union’s strong track record in creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation – including good wages, benefits and pensions.Article contentFor more information: Scott Lunny, USW Western Canada Director, 604-329-5308, slunny@usw.caBrett Barden, USW Communications, 604-445-6956, bbarden@usw.caArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentTrending Subscriber only. Donald Trump plans to roll back tariffs on steel and aluminium goods Subscriber only Financial Times As U.S. companies return to Venezuela's oilfields — one Canadian driller has a head start Oil & Gas Ontario issues first permit that opens up old mine tailings for exploration Mining CRA charged taxpayer instalment interest before he received all his GIC income Taxes Trump rebuked as U.S. House votes against some tariffs on Canada Economy Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Subscriber only. Donald Trump plans to roll back tariffs on steel and aluminium goods Subscriber only Financial Times As U.S. companies return to Venezuela's oilfields — one Canadian driller has a head start Oil & Gas Ontario issues first permit that opens up old mine tailings for exploration Mining CRA charged taxpayer instalment interest before he received all his GIC income Taxes Trump rebuked as U.S. House votes against some tariffs on Canada Economy