Latest news with #Bills14
National Observer
08-08-2025
- Politics
- National Observer
Court clears way for raise of Mount Polley tailings dam despite Indigenous opposition
The BC Supreme Court has rejected a First Nation's legal challenge against the government's approval for Imperial Metals to raise the Mount Polley Mine tailings dam by four metres, a ruling delivered during the anniversary week of the catastrophic 2014 breach. The 2014 disaster — BC's largest environmental disaster from mining — released over 24 million cubic metres of toxic mine waste into Xatśūll territory in the Cariboo region near Williams Lake. The community continues to face lasting impacts on their rights, culture, environment and way of life more than a decade later. Justice Michael Tammen ruled that consultation with the Xatśūll Nation was legally sufficient and described the proposed four-metre raise as 'comparatively modest,' unlikely to increase the mine's overall footprint or environmental impact. He said the court's focus was on the current project, not the earlier disaster, and described the risk of another dam failure as 'remote.' 'This is the same unstable soil condition that caused the catastrophic failure more than a decade ago,' said Nikki Spruce, director of the Northern Confluence and co-chair of the BC Mining Law Reform Network, a coalition advocating for stronger mining laws and environmental protections. 'Raising the dam height again on this foundation without a thorough, modern environmental assessment is deeply troubling.' The Xatśūll First Nation said it was deeply disappointed and will review the decision and consider next steps. Indigenous leaders condemned the decision. Stewart Phillip, grand chief of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, said the ruling 'is a profound blow to Indigenous rights and environmental justice.' 'This is the same unstable soil condition that caused the catastrophic failure more than a decade ago,' said Nikki Spruce, director of the Northern Confluence and co-chair of the BC Mining Law Reform Network. The decision 'sadly advances a 'business as usual' approach to consultation, an approach that BC First Nations have long asserted that it is fundamentally broken and does not uphold our inherent and constitutionally protected title and rights,' he said. UBCIC called on the province to explain what meaningful consultation and consent look like for Indigenous peoples under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, especially after the recent passage of Bills 14 and 15. 'Bills 14 and 15 send exactly the wrong message to those living downstream of risky mines: it's about making it easier for big projects to get permits, not about making Indigenous consent real or prioritizing environmental protection,' Spruce said. Bills 14 and 15, passed earlier this year, give the provincial cabinet broad authority to fast-track renewable energy and infrastructure projects by streamlining regulatory approvals, exempting certain projects from environmental assessment. Spruce said that the Mount Polley dam expansion 'represents all the worst parts of BC's current mining rules,' from loopholes that let companies avoid new environmental assessments to a system that overlooks the combined effects of small project expansions and shuts out the affected communities from decisions about their lands.
Vancouver Sun
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
Opinion: It's time to fast-track actions to defend B.C.'s lands, waters, fish and wildlife
B.C. Premier David Eby and Prime Minister Mark Carney have outlined visions for rapid development of B.C. and Canada's natural resources to 'aggressively develop projects that are in the national interest in order to protect Canada's energy security.' As a drastic action to fast-track key projects, the provincial government recently narrowly passed Bills 14 and 15, laws that risk trampling Indigenous rights and circumventing environmental protections. As a scientist who studies the health of western Canada's oceans, rivers, and salmon, my alarm bells are going off. B.C. and Canada have an unfortunate track record of failing to protect ecosystems and people from industrial activities. From Eagle Creek to Mount Polley, mining disasters are releasing toxins into drinking water and killing fish — 70 per cent of B.C.'s salmon populations are declining . In the 2021 B.C. vs. Yahey decision, the B.C. Supreme Court found that the province enabled oil and gas and other industries to cumulatively degrade northeast B.C.'s ecosystems to such an extent that moose and caribou populations collapsed, violating Blueberry River First Nations' treaty rights. A daily roundup of Opinion pieces from the Sun and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Informed Opinion will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Risk of such harms to lands, waters, fish, wildlife, and Indigenous rights could be decreased through effective implementation of environmental policies. Eby also states he wants to advance 'conservation of precious water and land, and partnership with First Nations.' Here are five actions that the province could advance to fast-track safeguards for the lands and waters that sustain fish, wildlife, and people: First, set interim limits of cumulative industry disturbance to minimize risks of pushing lands and waters over thresholds of unacceptable harm. Currently, neither B.C. nor Canada has a policy that provides certainty for local peoples and industry by saying, 'This is too much.' There is an opportunity to leverage the existing B.C. Cumulative Effects Framework and the 2021 Yahey legal precedence to set interim baseline thresholds for cumulative disturbance with statutory power across all sectors. Second, support and empower regional planning processes. There are various new and ongoing planning processes that work with local rights-holders and other groups to incorporate local values and priorities to identify opportunities and limits for industry. Local peoples may want more, or less, stringent regulations than provincial thresholds. There is an opportunity to increase investment in and authority of land-use planning processes that supersede provincial guidelines. Third, protect 30 per cent of B.C. by 2030, guided by local rights-holders and scientific information. Indigenous protected and conserved areas and other Indigenous-led conservation initiatives can protect key ecosystems for current and future generations. Collectively, these locally and science-driven conservation areas could prioritize the protection of critical areas for cultural keystone species such as moose, caribou, and salmon and set no-go zones for industry. Continued action is needed if commitments of 30 per cent protection by 2030 are to be met. Fourth, prevent empty promises of economic benefits of industries. A 2023 study found that mines underdelivered promised jobs by 40 per cent, and delivered only one-third of forecasted tax revenue. A 2024 report found that many mine claims are doing environmentally harmful explorations aimed to garner investments that make mining executives even richer, but without intent to actually extract minerals. B.C.'s lands, waters, and local peoples would have some defence against get-rich-quick schemes if mining companies were required to submit a robust economic feasibility plan as part of their project description in the early stages of environmental assessment. Fifth, reconsider Bills 14 and 15 and clarify their application. Bills 14 and 15 give authority to fast-track projects and thus are a bellwether for the true colours of the province. Amendments to the bills could clarify how selected projects will consider environmental risks and incorporate free, prior, and informed consent to avoid violation of B.C.'s 2019 Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. If the bills are used to fast-track a gold or coal mine, then it will be clear that B.C. is extracting its resources for short-term dollars at the expense of environmental well-being and future generations. In these times of crisis, B.C. and Canada have the very real opportunity to be global leaders in the triple bottom line of social, economic, and environmental thriving. As Canada takes action to fast-track sustainable development, there is a parallel need to fast-track actions to not sell off the health of our lands, waters, and futures to extractive industries. Healthy watersheds mean healthy people and healthy economies. Jonathan Moore is a professor of aquatic ecology and conservation at Simon Fraser University and Liber Ero Chair of coastal science and management.
The Province
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Province
David Eby heads to Asia on trade mission as Indigenous leader pulls out due to Bills 14, 15
B.C. Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee pulled out of the trade mission, citing continuing criticism from Indigenous leaders on the passing of Bills 14 and 15 Published May 31, 2025 • Last updated 4 hours ago • 2 minute read B.C. Premier David Eby says he will use Bill 15 to expedite mining projects that produce critical minerals. Photo by B.C. Government B.C. Premier David Eby said Saturday that he is confident that recent Indigenous opposition to certain fast-tracking laws will not affect the province's ability to attract investment from Asian trade partners. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Eby said that international investors need to realize that they would need 'strong partnerships with Indigenous people' and high environmental standards to have fast-moving projects in B.C. He cited recent provincial work with First Nations in the northwest that outlined not only the limitations but the opportunities available to partner countries — as long as Indigenous consent and environment stewardship are achieved. 'The work that we're doing with Nations, for example, in the northwest involves doing that land use planning, identifying those areas that are no go zones, but also identifying those areas for development where things can move faster,' Eby told reporters. 'So what we're seeing is Nations becoming full economic partners in the projects, proponents of the projects, as well as participating in the oversight to ensure land protection.' Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The premier made his comments on the eve of his departure on a 10-day trade mission to Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. The remarks also came a day after B.C. Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee pulled out of the trade mission, citing continuing criticism from Indigenous leaders on the passing of Bills 14 and 15, two pieces of legislation aimed at speeding up certain projects. Teegee and other First Nations leaders said the bills — which narrowly passed in legislature this week — have inflicted 'profound damage' on the province's relationship with Indigenous communities. 'While the Premier seeks to strengthen B.C.'s economic relationships in the Indo-Pacific region and promote investment in major natural resource projects, his government has simultaneously undermined the very rights and relationships that are foundations to sustainable economic development in First Nations territories,' the statement from the BC Assembly of First Nations. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In a separate statement, Teegee said the bills passing was the direct cause of him pulling out of the trade mission. 'How can we participate in trade missions to promote resource development when this government has just rammed through legislation that tramples our rights and threatens our territories?' he said. 'During uncertain times, it's imperative that First Nations actively shape economic relationships that impact our lands, peoples, and futures.' But Eby said he has promised First Nations leaders that his government will ensure 'strong Indigenous partnerships' and strong environmental protections despite the bills passing, as long as he is premier. 'We do have to move faster,' he said, citing opening of the Blackwater gold and silver mine Friday as an example of a project that can be completed faster than expected with First Nation partnership is involved. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'This is a mine that ordinarily would take four or five years to build,' Eby said. 'It was completed in 18 months, including a significant transmission line 160-plus kilometres through some pretty challenging terrain, all of it completed in 22 months.' Eby said the province will work hard to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring Indigenous partnership, and Teegee's withdrawal from the trade mission is a clear sign that more work on that front needs to be done. 'Words will not be sufficient,' he said. Read More Sports News Junior Hockey Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Whitecaps
Toronto Star
01-06-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
Eby heads to Asia on trade mission as Indigenous leader pulls out due to Bills 14, 15
RICHMOND - British Columbia Premier David Eby says he is confident that recent Indigenous opposition to certain fast-tracking laws will not affect the province's ability to attract investment from Asian trade partners. Eby says that international investors need to realize that they would need 'strong partnerships with Indigenous people' and high environmental standards to have fast-moving projects in B.C. The premier made his comments on the eve of his departure on a 10-day trade mission to Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The comments also come a day after BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee pulled out of the trade mission, citing continuing criticism from Indigenous leaders on the passing of Bills 14 and 15, two pieces of legislation aimed at speeding up certain projects. Teegee and other First Nations leaders say the bills — which narrowly passed in legislature this week — have inflicted 'profound damage' on the province's relationship with Indigenous communities. But Eby says he has promised First Nations leaders that his government will ensure 'strong Indigenous partnerships' and strong environmental protections despite the bills passing, as long as he is premier. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
01-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Eby heads to Asia on trade mission as Indigenous leader pulls out due to Bills 14, 15
RICHMOND - British Columbia Premier David Eby says he is confident that recent Indigenous opposition to certain fast-tracking laws will not affect the province's ability to attract investment from Asian trade partners. Eby says that international investors need to realize that they would need 'strong partnerships with Indigenous people' and high environmental standards to have fast-moving projects in B.C. The premier made his comments on the eve of his departure on a 10-day trade mission to Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. The comments also come a day after BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee pulled out of the trade mission, citing continuing criticism from Indigenous leaders on the passing of Bills 14 and 15, two pieces of legislation aimed at speeding up certain projects. Teegee and other First Nations leaders say the bills — which narrowly passed in legislature this week — have inflicted 'profound damage' on the province's relationship with Indigenous communities. But Eby says he has promised First Nations leaders that his government will ensure 'strong Indigenous partnerships' and strong environmental protections despite the bills passing, as long as he is premier. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
