US EditionNational Chief Says First Nations Growing Frustrated with ‘Fast-Track’ Approach
- On Monday, May 26, the leader of the Tsartlip First Nation, Don Tom, joined other community heads at a news conference held outside Victoria's Royal BC Museum to demand the repeal of B.C.'s Infrastructure Projects Act, known as Bill 15.
- The opposition stems from concerns that the bill, rushed through legislature with a closure notice for a final vote by May 28, bypasses environmental assessments and consultation with First Nations and municipalities.
- Tom, formerly a longtime B.C. Greens supporter who voted for the NDP, criticized the bill for lacking clear limits, binding safeguards, and commitments to co-governance with Indigenous rights holders, while Premier David Eby was called dismissive and accused of a 'Trust us, bro' approach.
- Chief Mungo Knox of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw Kwaguʼł community said Bill 15 would bypass environmental and consultation processes, while Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma defended it, stating regulations are key and consultation will occur during their development.
- The mounting resistance by First Nations leaders and environmental groups signals eroded trust in the NDP government and highlights the stakes as MLAs face the last chance to reconsider the controversial bill by Wednesday, May 28.
32 Articles
32 Articles
B.C.'s fast-tracking bill heads for final vote, facing criticism to the end
VICTORIA — Controversial legislation to fast-track infrastructure projects in British Columbia goes to a final vote in the legislature on Wednesday night, after attracting condemnation from First Nations leaders and environment and business groups.
The Toronto Star
BIV NewsChorus of critics grows for B.C. fast-track bill as minister fails to soothe concerns
VICTORIA - The chorus of voices against contentious British Columbia legislation to speed up infrastructure projects continues to swell, with the province's civil liberties association calling it a betrayal of
MLA says marriage can weather Bill 15. What of Eby's relationship with First Nations?
VICTORIA — Grand Chief Stewart Phillip is among the fiercest critics of the British Columbia government's planned legislation to fast track infrastructure projects, saying their development "flouted First Nations' basic human rights.
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