B.C. NDP Leader David Eby says draft legislation for Indigenous land transfers would reduce costs for taxpayers by limiting compensation owed to forest companies.
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British Columbia NDP Leader David Eby says proposed draft legislation from his previous government to limit compensation for forest companies when land is transferred to First Nations is aimed at saving money for taxpayers.
Eby was speaking during a provincial election campaign stop in Surrey on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, responding to confidential documents published by the online publication Northern Beat.
The documents say Eby’s government was planning to transfer about 400 parcels of Crown land to First Nations while limiting compensation for companies with timber rights on that land.
Eby said the transfers reflect existing treaties and other commitments under the reconciliation process, including commitments that date back decades.
According to the briefing notes, dated Sept. 10, the current law requires the government to compensate forestry firms, but “given ongoing fiscal constraints” that would create substantial barriers to completing land returns.
A spokesperson for the Eby campaign said the draft legislation would limit compensation and that if less than five per cent of the existing logging rights were transferred, the holders would not receive any compensation at all.
The briefing notes were revealed just days before the provincial election on Oct. 24.
The campaign spokesperson said cabinet approved engagement with stakeholders in July, but the proposal was draft, not final legislation.
Eby also rejected suggestions that the process involved secrecy, saying non-disclosure agreements are standard practice for companies that want to see the documents and that the New Democrat platform does not mention the plans.
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