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Latest DRIPA delays risks stalling the federal government’s critical mineral and defence priorities.
Vancouver, BC – April 21, 2026 – Responding to a recent announcement by Premier David Eby that the Provincial government will not bring forward amendments to DRIPA in the Spring 2026 Legislative Session, AME is reiterating the need for timely and substantive amendments and restoring certainty to BC’s economic outlook.
The announcement fails to meet the Premier’s own December 2025 commitment to substantially amend the legislation in the Spring term:
“But to be frank, it is absolutely crucial that it is British Columbians through their elected representatives that remain in control of this process, not the courts…. Too much rides on it in terms of our province’s prosperity and certainty going forward. So, I think it just as likely or perhaps more likely that we would proceed with amendments to provide clarity around what was clearly intended when we introduced this legislation, and the court appears to have some confusion about that.”
Premier David Eby
Speaking on the issue, AME President & CEO, Todd Stone said, “Our members are deeply disappointed by the Premier’s announcement. AME has been supportive of the Premier’s ambitions for BC to become a critical minerals powerhouse, but the decision to punt this issue six months into the future will only frustrate those ambitions. This is a critical time for mineral explorers in our province who need to be focused on raising money and getting to work looking for minerals the world needs for tomorrow. All of this gets more challenging as uncertainty continues to grow due to the Province’s indecision and paralysis.”
The government announced an engagement process with First Nations, and AME is encouraging the Province to commit to concurrent engagement with the public and industry. Any process on DRIPA needs to be consistent and transparent. After all, we are all in this together – the only way to succeed is if everyone is at the table.
AME’s position is available here. AME will continue to engage with members and discuss these latest developments.
AME Contact
Stephanie Marshall-White
604.404.1031
media@amebc.ca