B.C.'s fast-tracking bill heads for final vote, facing criticism to the end
Speaker Raj Chouhan is expected to cast the deciding vote in favour of the government's Bill 15.
The bill responding to American tariff threats promises to speed up public and private infrastructure projects, including mines, but has faced opposition from critics who say it lacked proper consultation with First Nations and others and represents government overreach.
The British Columbia Chamber of Commerce is among the latest critics, calling on Premier David Eby to delay the bill until after the spring sitting of the legislature that ends Thursday.
It says in a letter Tuesday that while it supports the streamlining of project approval and permitting, it wants the government to spend the summer meeting critics including the private sector to discuss their concerns.
The government says it will consult broadly when drafting regulations that invoke the legislation, which has received support from the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.
Legislators are also scheduled to vote Wednesday on bills to speed up the permitting of renewable energy projects and transmission lines, remove internal trade barriers and authorize the budget.
The NDP government has a one-seat majority in the legislature, where Opposition B.C. Conservatives, two Greens and three Independents are expected to vote against Bill 15.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 28, 2025.
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The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages "Respecting and advancing the rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis is essential to building a safer and more inclusive Canada. Our government is committed to ongoing collaboration with Indigenous, local, provincial, and territorial leaders, as well as with law enforcement and border services, to ensure public safety approaches are community-based, reflect lived realities, and address the ongoing legacies of colonization. This includes the Canada Border Services Agency's work with Indigenous partners and other government departments to address border crossing challenges that uniquely impact Indigenous peoples. The UN Declaration Act is a cornerstone of this work, guiding our shared path toward reconciliation. Progress is underway, but there's more to do—and we are committed to doing it together as partners." The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety "Canada's international borders have had deep and lasting impacts on Indigenous communities, affecting many parts of their lives. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship is committed to continuing to work with Indigenous Peoples to address their complex border crossing and migration challenges, as outlined in the United Nations Declaration Act Action Plan." The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship "Indigenous Peoples are recognized globally as guardians of nature, and Indigenous-led stewardship is key to addressing climate change and protecting biodiversity. Through the UN Declaration Act and Action Plan, we are advancing reconciliation, working together, and sharing knowledge to build a greener, more resilient, and prosperous future for everyone in Canada." The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change "Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of oceans, rivers, and fisheries since time immemorial. Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will continue to work in partnership with First Nations, Métis and Inuit to implement the UN Declaration Act and Action Plan to advance Indigenous leadership in fisheries, marine safety and conservation initiatives." The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries "We are working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments and rights holders to advance true reconciliation through partnership. We're supporting over 115 Indigenous-led employment organizations, expanding access to nutritious school food and strengthening distinctions-based early learning and childcare with more than 60 Indigenous partners. Together, we can support families and children to have the tools they need to learn." The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario Quick facts The UN Declaration sets minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of Indigenous peoples, and was developed over 25 years with significant contributions from Indigenous leaders, including those from Canada. The UN Declaration Act, in force since June 21, 2021, provides a framework for upholding Indigenous rights and advancing reconciliation in Canada. The Action Plan, released on June 21, 2023, contains 181 measures developed in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples to achieve the UN Declaration's objectives. The UN Declaration Act mandates the Government of Canada to take all measures necessary to ensure laws are consistent with the UN Declaration, implement the Action Plan, and report annually on progress. Associated links United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Read the UN Declaration Read the UN Declaration Act Stay connected SOURCE Department of Justice Canada
