BC NDP pushes aggressive land-back agenda amid secrecy concerns

Under Premier David Eby, the BC NDP is intensifying its “land back” policy, aiming to return large swaths of public territory to Indigenous peoples as part of a broader decolonization effort. The government has altered negotiation mandates, allowing the BC Treaty Commission to pursue title agreements outside the standard treaty framework. Notable examples include the designation of the entire Haida Gwaii archipelago as Aboriginal title without the usual proof of historic occupation.

The administration is also preparing to transfer lands around Victoria—such as the Hatley Castle grounds, Royal Roads University, and portions of provincial parks—labeling them as surplus despite past public referendums favoring park preservation. Critics, including developer Rick Illich, argue that the secrecy of these deals undermines democratic participation. The 2024 NDP platform referenced only the implementation of DRIPA and vague reconciliation goals, leaving the government with broad discretion to act on land issues. Observers warn that continued opaque negotiations could erode public trust in the province’s governance.