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4w ago

B.C. First Nations and Municipalities Unite Against Bill 15

Leaders warn of protests and legal action over lack of consultation on fast-track project legislation.

The throne speech is read at the legislature in Victoria, B.C., on Feb. 6, 2023. MLA for Abbotsford South Bruce Banman has defected from Opposition BC United to the BC Conservatives.
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Overview

  • The B.C. government introduced Bill 15 to expedite infrastructure and resource project approvals, citing economic pressures and U.S. tariff threats.
  • First Nations leaders and the Union of B.C. Municipalities held a joint news conference on May 22, calling for the bill's withdrawal or amendment.
  • Indigenous leaders, including Robert Phillips of the First Nations Summit, criticized the unilateral development of the bill as a setback for reconciliation efforts.
  • Premier David Eby defended the legislation as necessary for economic stability but signaled conditional openness to dialogue on consent.
  • Opposition groups warned of protests, litigation, and direct action if the government proceeds without proper consultation in line with reconciliation obligations.