B.C. First Nations fear protests and conflict over fast-track legislation
Leaders from First Nations communities in British Columbia have stated that suggested legislation aimed at expediting resource development could result in demonstrations and legal challenges if the province enacts this law.
Robert Phillips from the First Nations Summit stated that the B.C. government’s proposed legislation, referred to as Bill 15, which aims to expedite infrastructure project approvals, was implemented without consultation, leading to significant frustration and concern among First Nations leaders.
“Today marks an unfortunate, yet avoidable moment in the history of British Columbia,” Phillips said Thursday at a joint news conference with the Union of B.C. Municipalities, which has also opposed the legislation.
“The province of B.C. has chosen to abandon decades of work, where we’ve done intensive collective work to build principled pathways, tools to advance reconciliation for the benefit of not only First Nations, but of all British Columbians,” Phillips said.
Phillips stated that there would be disputes, lawsuits, and demonstrations if the B.C. NDP does not “quash the bill” without consulting First Nations regarding possible changes. He expressed concern about reverting to the contentious era experienced during the previous provincial administration led by former B.C. Liberal leader Christy Clark.
He mentioned, ‘When we were continuously fighting against the government.’
Prime Minister David Eby stated that the legislation would be advantageous for both Indigenous communities and local governments.
Eby stated at a press briefing following her attendance at the Western Premiers Conference in Yellowknife that accelerating pace doesn’t necessarily imply lowering standards.
He emphasized that “this cannot occur at the cost of Indigenous rights.”
Eby has previously stated that the bill is necessary to address the tariff threats posed by the United States during President Donald Trump’s tenure.
Phillips stated that First Nations leaders perceive themselves as “betrayed” by the province due to their attempt to implement these laws without adequate consultation, describing it as a backward move in the journey toward reconciling with Indigenous Peoples.
The First Nations and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities are urging Premier Eby’s administration to withdraw the current version of the bill and pledge to engage in consultations to align with the requirements set out in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
Trish Mandewo, who leads the union, stated that the provincial infrastructure bill is likely to cause tension between B.C.’s municipalities due to “the extensive authority granted to bypass rules such as municipal official city plans, changes to zoning bylaws, and approvals for subdivisions.”
As history has shown, bypassing consultations for an expedited process is more prone to causing issues later on, and rushing legislation often leads to errors,” she stated.
We are observing a trend where decision-making is shifting away from local communities and becoming centralized in Victoria.
Mandewo expressed her belief that the bill could potentially “undermine public confidence” in the democratic system. She encouraged the province to put the bill aside, particularly as local administrations perceive themselves to be “losing their independence” at this juncture.
“If democratic procedures are circumvented, it only exacerbates that distrust,” she stated. “What we aim to achieve is revisiting, engaging, consulting, and subsequently proceeding in a significant way to ensure the utmost benefit for British Columbians.”
The report from The Canadian Press was initially released on May 22, 2025.
Darryl Greer from The Canadian Press