Alignment of laws
(Section 3 – 2025/2026)

Section 3 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act requires the Province to review and align its laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples.

To advance this work, the Province established the Declaration Act Secretariat, which provides co-ordination, guidance and support across government.

In 2022, the secretariat released the Interim Approach to Implement the Requirements of Section 3, which sets out government-wide processes for how ministries work with Indigenous Peoples when developing or updating laws, policies and practices.

Since then, ministries across government have been applying the interim approach in legislative and policy development, with each ministry responsible for implementing Section 3 requirements within its own work. Approaches vary depending on the subject matter, scope and potential impacts of proposed laws, as well as the priorities of Indigenous Peoples.

This work continues to evolve in both the policy and legal contexts. A recent Court of Appeals decision has raised questions about how the Declaration Act should be implemented. Through partnership with Indigenous leaders, processes are underway to develop a durable solution that provides greater clarity and ensures the success of our collective work.

The secretariat continues to support this work by promoting consistent approaches, including through training and capacity building for public servants and helping ministries apply the interim approach and advance specific initiatives. 

While no legislation to align laws with the Declaration Act was introduced in 2025–26, alignment efforts continue across government. This long-term work requires sustained consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples and must reflect the needs and priorities of communities throughout British Columbia.