Rob Shaw: New B.C. legislation sparks concerns of steamrolling Indigenous rights – Business in Vancouver
May 05, 2025
Fast-track infrastructure bill raises alarm over reduced environmental and public oversight
The B.C. government is running into early opposition from First Nations partners to its new legislation to fast-track building projects, indicating, despite a lot of rhetoric, it may not have done the proper groundwork on the bill.
The Union of BC Indian Chiefs raised concerns about Bill 15’s power to allow cabinet ministers to write alternative environmental assessment processes for projects like mines, mills, hospitals and schools, to get them approved more quickly. Critics are worried it could mean watered-down environmental safety in the name of expediency.
“Bill 15 raises concerns about projects being fast tracked under the guise of responding to Trump’s tariffs, and watering down the EA [environmental assessment] process,” read the statement.
