Latest news with #DeclarationontheRightsofIndigenousPeoplesAct
Global News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Global News
Pressure mounts on B.C. NDP's fast-track bill ahead of critical vote
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 the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The association's call to immediately withdraw Bill 15 comes after a government amendment to improve consultation with First Nations failed, putting the bill on track to pass unchanged on Wednesday. The B.C. Civil Liberties Association says the bill was drafted in violation of the government's own Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and without input from First Nations. It says in a letter to the government that it's also worried the bill could fast-track 'politically unpopular' infrastructure projects at the expense of democratic processes. The association calls the bill a 'triple threat,' to the rights of Indigenous Peoples, democratic processes and the environmental health of the province. Story continues below advertisement Tuesday's letter comes after an amendment to boost First Nations consultation was proposed by Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma, but failed in the committee stage after Green Rob Botterell voting against it, saying it didn't go far enough. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Bill 15 has been condemned by First Nations leaders, municipal officials, environmental groups and other critics who say it gives too much power to the government. 2:01 B.C. outlines plan to fast track mining in northwest region of province Ma's amendment tabled Monday would have required government to consult 'broadly' on eligibility for fast-tracking provincially significant projects. She says she wanted to 'bind government' to creating regulations around provincially significant projects, something she says it would have done anyway and will continue to do after the bill's expected passage on Wednesday evening. Ma says government 'thought it would be appreciated' to establish the requirement in legislation, rather than regulation as originally promised. Story continues below advertisement But the amendment failed because parliamentary rules require the committee chair to vote against an amendment in case of a tie, with six New Democrats voting for the amendment, and five Conservatives and Botterell voting against it. Ma said no more amendments would be proposed before the legislature votes on Wednesday. The bills are expected to pass by the slimmest of margins, with Speaker Raj Chouhan likely to casting the deciding ballot. An open letter to Premier David Eby from the First Nations Leadership Council on Tuesday reiterates calls to withdraw Bill 15, as well as Bill 14 that the government says would streamline permitting for renewable energy projects. 'We need you to understand that there are 204 First Nations in British Columbia and, while you may find support among a select few who we wish well, your refusal to withdraw the Bills will have serious impacts on the FNLC's and many First Nations' relationships with your government,' says the letter. 'These impacts could well be irreparable.' The letter says First Nations leaders were 'dismayed' by what it says was a 'summary response' from Eby that he would not withdraw the bills to allow for more consultation, at a May 15 meeting.
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
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.' His wife, Joan Phillip, says she'll be voting for the bills on Wednesday as a member of Premier David Eby's government. She said Monday that she doesn't talk too much 'shop' with her husband. 'We have been married for 40 years, going on 41 years, and we have known each other longer,' she said. 'So I think we will weather this.' The bigger question is if the government's relationship with First Nations is just as sturdy, amid condemnation of bills 14 and 15, which the government says are needed to respond to the threat of United States tariffs. Surrounded by reporters at the legislature, Joan Phillip, MLA for Vancouver-Strathcona, said she would support both bills, which critics including her husband say undermine the government's obligation to consult First Nations under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. 'I have every confidence in our government and their ongoing commitment to DRIPA,' she said. 'So I support the bill and I have read it.' The government says Bill 15 is to speed up public and private infrastructure projects, while Bill 14 would streamline permitting for renewable energy projects, such as wind farms. Stewart Phillip, of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, isn't convinced. 'If the (province) wants to fast-track projects, these (bills) are not going to do that, they are setting the stage for bigger fights,' he said on May 15 after a meeting with Eby as part of a delegation from the First Nations Leadership Council. Chief Don Tom of the Tsartlip First Nation in Greater Victoria said at a protest in downtown Victoria on Monday, steps away from the legislature, that the 'era of trust' with Eby's government is over if the two bills pass this week. Tom added that First Nations would do everything in their legal power to kill both bills, adding that First Nations would remember the actions of the government at the next election. Tom said that this won't just apply to the premier, but every MLA who voted for the bills. 'It's the people who care about the environment, and the well-being of British Columbia, who voted for the B.C. NDP,' Tom said. '(We) are going to remember the next election, where they stood on issues and how they used their power and what they used their power for.' Tom, who also attended the May 15 meeting with Eby, said First Nations have 'a good record in the court system' when it comes to protecting their constitutional rights for consultation. Tom added that he has made these points to Eby himself, only to be met with 'silence' or a 'simple thank you,' but nothing to indicate a change in course. 'I don't find them (meetings with government) beneficial,' he said. 'They are just government telling us what they are going to do,' Tom said. Joan Phillip said the government would 'weather this storm' and continue to seek and receive 'informed consent' from Indigenous titleholders. 'I think it's unfortunate and I can understand them feeling that way,' she said of Tom's comments. 'We have been trampled on by many former governments,' she said of First Nations people. 'But since 2017, we have done so much in terms of honouring the United Nations Declaration on Indigenous Peoples. We have got our action plan, and we are going to continue to honour those relationships that we have.' First Nations want both bills withdrawn or revised, saying they undermine environmental standards and the constitutional rights of consultation for First Nations. They have also been opposed by the Union of B.C. Municipalities and other critics. The government wants both Bill 14 and Bill 15 to pass Wednesday after invoking closure on the bills. Wednesday's vote will be a confidence vote with Speaker Raj Chouhan expected to cast the deciding vote. Conservative Party of B.C. Leader John Rustad said his party would take every opportunity to bring down Eby's government with five confidence votes scheduled this week. 'I challenge him,' Rustad said. 'Go to the lieutenant-governor's house (and) drop the writ,' he said. Speaking at a mining announcement in Vancouver, Eby said he was confident bills 14 and 15 would pass. Tom said he had been talking with New Democrat MLAs to convince them to drop their support for the bills, but declined to reveal their names. However, Joan Phillip wasn't one of them, he said. Tom said he admires the relationship between Joan and Stewart Phillip. 'They have stood with each other through thick and thin, and if any relationship can handle this, it is theirs,' Tom said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 26, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
B.C. First Nations fear protests and conflict over fast-track legislation
First Nations leaders in British Columbia say proposed legislation to fast-track resource projects will likely lead to protests and litigation should the provincial government push the law through. Robert Phillips with the First Nations Summit says the B.C. government's proposed legislation, known as Bill 15, to approve infrastructure projects more quickly was done unilaterally, causing frustration and upset among First Nations leadership. He says there will be conflict, litigation and protests if the B.C. NDP fails to 'kill the bill' without engaging with First Nations on potential amendments. Phillips and other First Nations representatives and municipal leaders spoke at a joint news conference to outline opposition to the legislation, which Premier David Eby says is needed to combat the threat of tariffs imposed by the United States under President Donald Trump. Phillips says First Nations chiefs feel 'betrayed' by the province for trying to push through the laws without proper consultation, calling it a regressive step on the road to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. First Nations and the Union of B.C. Municipalities are calling on Eby's government to abandon the bill as written and commit to consultation to conform to obligations under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 22, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
B.C. First Nations fear protests and conflict over fast-track legislation
First Nations leaders in British Columbia say proposed legislation to fast-track resource projects will likely lead to protests and litigation should the provincial government push the law through. Robert Phillips with the First Nations Summit says the B.C. government's proposed legislation, known as Bill 15, to approve infrastructure projects more quickly was done unilaterally, causing frustration and upset among First Nations leadership. He says there will be conflict, litigation and protests if the B.C. NDP fails to 'kill the bill' without engaging with First Nations on potential amendments. Phillips and other First Nations representatives and municipal leaders spoke at a joint news conference to outline opposition to the legislation, which Premier David Eby says is needed to combat the threat of tariffs imposed by the United States under President Donald Trump. Phillips says First Nations chiefs feel 'betrayed' by the province for trying to push through the laws without proper consultation, calling it a regressive step on the road to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. First Nations and the Union of B.C. Municipalities are calling on Eby's government to abandon the bill as written and commit to consultation to conform to obligations under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 22, 2025.
The Province
14-05-2025
- Politics
- The Province
B.C. NDP finally begins debate on controversial fast-track legislation as opposition continues to mount
Bill 15, or the Infrastructure Projects Act, has been decried by Indigenous groups, municipalities and environmental organizations due to the power it gives to the NDP government's cabinet Premier David Eby outside the legislature. Photo by Government of British Columbia With just five days left in the legislature's spring sitting, the NDP's controversial infrastructure bill is finally up for debate as critics continue to voice concerns. 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 Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act, was introduced May 1 and allows the provincial cabinet to fast-track approval of major public infrastructure projects, such as schools, hospitals, cancer centres, student housing and any other projects deemed 'provincially significant,' like critical mineral mines, through an expedited environmental assessment process and easing of the permitting procedure. It has been roundly criticized by First Nations, municipalities and environmental groups for overriding local decision-making and being introduced without proper consultation. The First Nations Leadership council has warned the legislation contravenes the government's own Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which it passed in 2019. 'I've been around provincial politics a while now. If (former B.C. Liberal premier) Christy Clark tabled this bill in 2014, we would never have heard the end of how awful it is (from the NDP),' said Adam Olsen, a lead negotiator for the Tsartlip First Nation and a former Green MLA from 2017 to 2024. 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. Trish Mandewo, the Union of B.C. Municipalities president, said she wants to see the government retract the bill, having heard from many local governments concerned that it will further erode their autonomy. Though she agreed with the need to build hospitals and schools, she questioned whether it was necessary to override municipalities to do so. 'We have seen in the past that when legislation is passed with little or no consultation, it fails, generally, and when the province proceeds that way, the legislation creates as many problems as it solves,' said Mandewo. Both Opposition parties, the Conservatives and the Greens, have voiced opposition to the legislation, leaving the government with the possibility that it will have to call on Speaker Raj Chouhan to cast the tiebreaking vote to pass it. If a single NDP MLA isn't present or votes against the legislation, it could fail. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Nevertheless, Premier David Eby has signalled his intention to push the legislation forward, while his House leader, Mike Farnworth, has made the bill a confidence motion, meaning the government could fall if the legislation is rejected. Farnworth has also introduced a requirement that a final vote must be held no later than 8 p.m. on May 28. This effectively gives the House no more than four days to get through second reading, committee stage and third reading. Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma told reporters Tuesday that the legislation is needed for the province to be able to support 'economic development' and provide infrastructure needed by growing communities. 'We heard loud and clear in the 2024 election that British Columbians liked what we were doing, but they wanted more of it to be done,' said Ma. 'We need to get the schools built. We need to get the hospitals built. We need to bring economic opportunity into communities that desperately need it. We need to meet the moment, the needs of the moment. And so we're moving quickly, because British Columbians expect that of us.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Conservative Leader John Rustad called the government's actions 'undemocratic' and suggested the NDP is trying to cover up their mistakes over the last eight years. He also accused the government of giving itself the power to pick 'winners and losers' when it comes to which private sector projects are deemed significant enough for accelerated permitting. 'They've decided to use the legislative hammer to limit how much debate time we have,' he told reporters. 'They obviously do not respect this legislature. They don't respect the elected people in this province. They don't respect the people of this province. They think that they have all the answers and that they should just be given a blank cheque to be able to do anything.' Olsen noted the government does have the opportunity to delay Bill 15 until the fall, allowing time for revision and consultation with First Nations and municipalities. At the same time, he said that consultation should have occurred before the legislation was introduced in the first place. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Tara Marsden, Wilp sustainability director for the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs, said her nation had been given only weeks to review the bill and that all the changes they proposed were rejected. She said that Indigenous leaders around the province have had emergency meetings, but doesn't know if there's time to be influential. 'We shared our concerns and their response was that they will be proceeding and that they will continue to recognize our own assessment processes that we have in place,' she said. 'It will be difficult to do that when they have really removed themselves, or plan to remove themselves, from their own assessment process.' Read More Vancouver Canucks NHL CFL Vancouver Canucks World
