NationTalk: (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – August 29, 2024) On Tuesday afternoon, Kevin Falcon unexpectedly suspended the BC United campaign and threw support to the BC Conservative Party (BCCP). The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is warning the public that the BC Conservative campaign poses a critical threat to human rights and stands to accelerate the climate emergency.
John Rustad, leader of the BCCP, has publicly stated his plans to repeal the 2019 commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This move would roll back the recognition of rights and threaten the significant progress achieved by the Provincial New Democratic Party government through the Declaration Act. Additionally, Rustad has recklessly objected to the recent groundbreaking legislation that recognizes Haida title, which had successfully avoided years of costly court battles that the Haida were poised to win.
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated “We unequivocally object to the environmentally destructive and anti-human rights agenda of John Rustad. This political red rover debacle is not only amazingly regressive but sets a dangerous precedent. The BCCP platform plans threaten to undermine the progress we’ve made and would set us back decades that we cannot afford in our fight for human rights and environmental justice. British Columbians must unite in opposition to this dangerous agenda and advocate for policies that support equity, sustainability, and respect for all.”
John Rustad has questioned Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) education in schools and astonishingly claimed that gender-affirming care uses excessive health resources. BC Conservative candidates, having passed the party’s vetting, have compared 5G technology to genocide and a weapon, and called Pride participants “degenerates.” Rustad continues to refuse to clarify his position on abortion.
UBCIC is also gravely concerned that the Rustad-Falcon commitment to increased LNG production will dangerously accelerate the climate emergency by increasing GHG emissions, promoting fracking, and further facilitating coal production overseas. The catalyst for the BCCP takeover occurred when Rustad was expelled from the BC United/Liberal caucus by Falcon for promoting a tweet spreading misinformation about climate change. Rustad has also stated that if he wins, he plans to dismantle the Province’s commitment to create new protected areas.
Chief Don Tom, UBCIC Vice-President, stated, “We cannot let a political circus with a complete disregard for the scientific community roll back progress being made in our Province. The urgency of addressing climate change and preserving our environment is undeniable. It is not a matter of ideology but of ensuring the health and safety of all communities for generations to come.”
Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer concluded “This backwards agenda is not only harmful to First Nations but counterproductive for everyone, as it undermines the collective efforts needed to address global challenges. Their disregard for our climate and human rights is not only alarming but unacceptable. It is crucial that we resist these dangerous policies and push for leadership that will protect our rights and fostering a sustainable, just future for all.”
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Media inquiries:
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314
Chief Don Tom, Vice-President, 604-290-6083
Chief Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer, 250-957-7721
UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
For more information, please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca