British Columbia Minute: Mining Claims, Ombudsperson Recommendation, and Bill 7 Revisions

British Columbia Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of British Columbia politics.

This Week In British Columbia:

• Can you believe it’s the end of March already? We don't often explicitly ask for donations in these emails, but as we approach the end of the month, we need your help to reach our $10,000 fundraising goal. With the election heating up, your contribution will ensure we can keep advocating for British Columbia, no matter the outcome. If you appreciate our efforts, please consider donating today. Thank you for your support!
  
  
• Longtime BC politician Mike de Jong is running as an independent in the new Abbotsford-South Langley riding after being rejected as a Conservative candidate. De Jong, who served eight terms as a BC Liberal/BC United MLA and held multiple cabinet roles, said he has strong local support despite the challenges of running independently. The Conservative Party has nominated 25-year-old farmer Sukhman Gill. The NDP and Green Party have also put forward candidates, but the Liberals have not yet. The new riding was formed ahead of the 2025 election, with past voting trends favouring the Conservatives.
  
  
• BC Ombudsperson Jay Chalke is calling for provincial legislation to establish mandatory codes of conduct for local politicians, warning that the current lack of standards undermines public trust and allows for interference. In a letter to the province, Chalke highlighted recent reports from Vancouver, where elected officials violated open meeting laws without facing consequences. He pointed out that other provinces, including Ontario and Manitoba, have mandatory integrity standards, while BC's system remains optional. Chalke has been advocating for such legislation since 2022, arguing that the credibility of local oversight is at risk. The Municipal Affairs Ministry has previously acknowledged the issue but has yet to act.

Last Week In British Columbia:

• Premier David Eby announced his government would withdraw a key portion of Bill 7, which would have granted broad powers to respond to US tariffs without legislative debate. Critics argued the bill lacked democratic oversight, with opposition leaders calling it a step toward authoritarian rule. While Part 4 of the bill will be removed, Eby plans to introduce a revised version, which we will keep a close eye on. Other provisions, such as tolls on American commercial trucks heading to Alaska and prioritizing domestic suppliers for public-sector contracts, remain.
  
  
• BC officials have made it clear that the Columbia River Treaty should not be used as leverage in trade disputes with the United States. Provincial Minister Adrian Dix emphasized that terminating the treaty would take a decade and have little impact on current tensions. Negotiations are currently paused as the U.S. reviews its international engagement, though Canada remains committed to resuming discussions. The Agreement-in-Principle reached last summer outlines key commitments, including environmental protections and Indigenous involvement, but is not yet legally binding. Meanwhile, an interim agreement ensures flood management and Canadian Entitlement payments until 2044, with hopes that permanent provisions will bring the US back to the table.
  
  
• British Columbia announced a new framework for First Nations consultations on mining claims to comply with a 2023 BC Supreme Court ruling. The Mineral Claims Consultation Framework ensures First Nations are consulted at the claim-staking stage rather than later in the permitting process. The Chief Gold Commissioner will assess whether consultation requirements are met before approving or denying claims, with all decisions published online for transparency.