Overview

• The Infrastructure Projects Act empowers the B.C. cabinet to designate and fast-track projects deemed provincially significant across public and private sectors.
• The legislation introduces alternative environmental assessment procedures, maintaining quality and Indigenous consultation standards.
• Initial project categories include critical minerals, trade diversification, food and water security, energy independence, housing, and disaster recovery.
• Municipalities can request project delays for local planning requirements, but the province retains override authority for critical projects.
• Business groups support faster permitting but criticize the selective nature of project approvals and the creation of new red tape.