Opinion: There are no settlers or uninvited guests; there are just British Columbians.
"The NDP government’s oft-used tactic to silence disparate viewpoints is parroting David Eby’s favourite accusatory line of “racist posturing.”
Yet the reality is that they are the biggest perpetrators of radical, ideologically empowered race baiting. This past week, we received confirmation of their brand of divisive and destructive wedge politics.
In a disturbing statement in the legislature from Burnaby East MLA Rohini Arora, it was suggested that all non-Indigenous British Columbians should self-identify as “colonizers,” “settlers” and “uninvited guests.” This was her proposed answer to solving the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples across British Columbia.
Her comments represent the worst kind of tokenism. This alarming position embodies the NDP’s complete abandonment of mutual respect, equality and collaboration in the way that they govern.
Simply put, they are advocating for a racial hierarchy of British Columbians.
The notion that people of all non-Indigenous ethnicities, backgrounds and religious beliefs are intruders is beyond offensive. Let me be perfectly clear: regardless of ancestry, it does not matter where you come from, the community you live in or what your background is. If you are ready to set roots here and work hard to build up this province, you are a British Columbian.
As minister of Aboriginal relations and reconciliation, I signed 435 agreements with First Nations, which is more than any Canadian politician in modern history. Economic reconciliation brings people together and fosters an improved quality of life for all — both outcomes that would never be possible through classification of people’s racial identities.
My approach did not disregard the past but rather worked to create a better path forward for Indigenous peoples and the province. By contrast, the NDP’s aforementioned terminology breeds resentment and isolation rather than fostering the unity we so desperately need at this critical juncture in history.
As the leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, I have been speaking to Indigenous peoples in every corner of the province. The message that I continue to hear as part of these ongoing conversations is resounding. Reconciliation must be based on empowerment and self-determination, not narrow beliefs that are performative rather than practical.
This must be the bedrock upon which support for Indigenous health, prosperity, and property rights is founded. Data and statistics show that Indigenous communities that sign long-term economic agreements have significantly improved outcomes with regards to poverty, addiction, suicide, and rates of education and literacy.
This is in stark contrast to the philosophy of a government that cynically transacts in the politics of racial segmentation. Identity politics is not only destructive to British Columbians of all backgrounds, but also very dangerous.
Lecturing citizens on offensive labels only serves to judge people on ethnicity rather than the depth of their character and contributions to our province.
This is why I have long advocated for Indigenous participation in resource development, recognition of Indigenous governance structures, and clarity in land and title matters that can lead to prosperity for all.
Respect. Recognition. Self-determination. Opportunity. These are the foundational principles that can chart a new path forward for British Columbia’s First Nations.
The NDP government speaks about inclusion by using the language of exclusion. They advocate for justice that is fuelled by degradation. They refer to “true” reconciliation yet believe that dividing people is a way achieve it.
Sadly, this mentality is a pattern of the David Eby-led government, which has an established history of regressive policy-making on our most critical issues.
Their response to the opioid and addiction epidemic is drug decriminalization and offering “safer supply” narcotics for free. The province’s dwindling economic position prompts out-of-control spending, resulting in historic deficits and rapidly rising debt for the next generation. Diminished housing supply and growing unaffordability are exacerbated through new unnecessary regulation, taxes, and red tape.
The same applies to their failed attempts at improving Indigenous well-being, reconciliation, and future prosperity. Instead of building towards a better collective future, the NDP choose to deploy culture wars and wedge politics. It is truly shameful.
In other words, whenever our province is facing a serious NDP-induced crisis, this government relies on ideologically driven schemes that make things much worse.
It is time for leadership that is serious, grounded and focused on delivering results for everyday people (regardless of backgrounds), not harmful rhetoric and ideological purity tests. It is time to stop pitting communities against each other. And now more than ever, it is time to end apologies for being Canadian; our country is a beacon of light for people from across the globe.
There are no settlers or uninvited guests; there are just British Columbians. This province belongs to all of us. Let’s build it together.
John Rustad is leader of the Conservative Party of B.C. and MLA for Nechako Lakes"
