Latest news with #DonTom
CBC
19-07-2025
- Politics
- CBC
B.C. chief says Bill C-5 meeting with Carney 'did not resolve concerns, it reinforced them'
Social Sharing Chiefs of First Nations in B.C. were among the more than 600 chiefs who travelled to Gatineau, Que. this week to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney about the highly controversial Bill C-5. The Building Canada Act, passed June 6, and gives the federal government the ability to by-pass laws, government regulations and environmental assessments if an industry project is deemed in the national interest. The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) opposes Bill C-5, and the B.C. Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) says most of the 204 nations in B.C are concerned about it. Don Tom, vice president of UBCIC, attended the meeting which took place at the Canadian Museum of History, surrounded by totem poles from the West Coast. Tom, who is also Chief of the Tsartlip First Nation on Vancouver Island, said despite many First Nations being opposed to the bill, the majority of those given a chance to speak supported the bill. "From the opening of the meeting, it was evident that those who were project-friendly were given the platform to speak," Tom told CBC news. "The Prime Minister was clear that this was not consultation but rather engagement, I think the general feeling amongst chiefs is that the government is a day late and a dollar short." Carney defends Bill C-5 amid court challenges by First Nations 3 days ago He says that consulting First Nations after the legislation has already passed is not meaningful. UBCIC is an advocacy organization for First Nations in B.C. and a member organization of B.C.'s First Nations Leadership Council. In a press release, it states that chiefs across the room made it clear that First Nations in Canada continue to be excluded from decision-making tables as it pertains to their land, rights and resources. "Canada cannot build economic recovery on the backs of Indigenous Nations without our consent, our participation, and our laws being respected," Tom said in the release. He says that B.C. and Canada have broken their own United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) laws. "We will not be legislated to, we will uphold our Title and Rights recognized under section 35 of the Constitution. We are the First Peoples of the Land, we are not Canada's Indians," he said. Terry Teegee, regional chief of BCAFN, shared similar sentiments. BCAFN advocates for the 204 First Nations in the province and is also a member organization of B.C.'s First Nations Leadership Council. Trade war 'existential crisis' shouldn't fall on backs of First Nations, says BCAFN regional chief 18 hours ago B.C. Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee says lawmakers should not skirt around environmental assessments to fast-track major projects. He tells BC Today host Michelle Eliot that any response to the trade war with the U.S. must also uphold Indigenous rights. In an interview on CBC's B.C. Today, Teegee said that the general sentiment of many First Nations across the country is that there are concerns about what a national interest project actually entails. "Bill C-5 does not acknowledge or recognize a consultation process, nor a consent-based process for First Nations," he said. He says that B.C.'s Bills 14 and 15, as well as the federal Bill C-5, should have been co-developed in partnership with First Nations, under provincial and federal UNDRIP legislation. "We're heading to challenges in the court system," he said. A BCAFN press release states that the majority of chiefs in B.C are concerned about the lack of transparency regarding the Canada Building Act, and concerned about their rights. "If this Act is to be saved, and if Canada is to avoid costly legal battles, Prime Minister Carney will need to make substantive and concrete commitments to legislative, regulatory and policy protections to ensure the standards of the UN Declaration are upheld." Tom says that Prime Minister Mark Carney stayed for the entire summit, which is rare for a prime minister, and that he assured First Nations that more consultation would be coming.
The Province
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Province
'A snake oil salesman': B.C. First Nations call out Premier David Eby before unveiling of economic vision
First Nations say 'era of trust is over' with the NDP government, while environmental groups worry legislation will be used to fast track LNG Don Tom, chief of the Tsartlip First Nation, says Bill 15 concentrates power within the provincial cabinet. Photo by CHAD HIPOLITO / THE CANADIAN PRESS Before a press conference billed by Premier David Eby as the unveiling of B.C.'s future economic direction, First Nations leaders and environmental activists said 'the era of trust is over' when it comes to relations with the NDP government. 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 Don Tom, chief of the Tsartlip First Nation, told reporters in Victoria that the government's recently introduced fast-tracking legislation, which expedites the environmental assessment process for schools, hospitals, wind power projects and others deemed 'provincially significant,' walks all over First Nations and the environmental process the NDP themselves introduced. While the premier and Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma have pitched Bill 15 as a necessary measure to get critical infrastructure built in communities across B.C., Tom said that what it really does is concentrate power within the provincial cabinet. 'This bill gives cabinet the authority to override permitting and environmental assessments for projects they deem priority,' he said. 'There are no clear limits, no binding safeguards, no commitment to co-governance with the rights holders. This means major infrastructure, including potentially extractive projects, could be fast-tracked without our involvement, without proper scrutiny.' Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. 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. Hugh Braker, First Nations Summit political executive, said he had voted for the NDP in the last provincial election, as did Tom, but would not be making that mistake again. He said it is too late to 'tinker' with the legislation and that the only path forward for the government is to withdraw the bill if it wants to rebuild trust with First Nations. On the environmental side of the equation, Andhra Azevedo, a staff lawyer with Ecojustice, and Kiki Wood, senior oil and gas campaigner for said there is no guarantee the government won't use Bill 15 for fossil fuel projects it deems 'provincially significant,' even if the NDP has said they will not. What Eby has said he will use the legislation for is to expedite certain mining projects, such as those that produce critical minerals. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Bill 15, as written, fails to respect the purpose of our environmental laws that this government had previously strengthened,' said Azevedo. B.C. Premier David Eby says he will use Bill 15 to expedite mining projects that produce critical minerals. Photo by B.C. Government Torrance Coste of the Wilderness Committee added that the premier is using the threat of U.S. tariffs as justification to use tactics similar to those used by U.S. President Donald Trump. Asked what Eby had told Indigenous leaders during his two meetings with them regarding the bill, Tom said he had been 'dismissive' and didn't 'seem inclined to hear our concerns.' The chief said he has heard of dissension in the NDP ranks but would not elaborate and so far no MLA has spoken out publicly against the government's direction. 'Right now, when it comes to Bill 14 and 15, Mr. Eby is a snake oil salesman. He'll tell us how great it is, what the benefits are but we know, in reality, that it will do us no good,' he said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We'll take every legal means possible to not only quash Bill 14 and 15 but, should they somehow get it passed that, no First Nations wants to use their resources to go into court, but we are prepared to, and we are co-ordinating our efforts as we speak.' Speaking to Postmedia last week, Eby said that if First Nations want to go to court over Bill 15, that is their prerogative and that his government's lawyers will be prepared to make any argument in court they need in defence of the legislation. He said that, at the end of the day, the province needs to make sure it gets infrastructure built, both for growing communities and the province's economic development. 'The bill's about speeding up essential infrastructure like schools and hospitals and roads as well as major economic projects that the province is reliant on to create jobs and prosperity at a time when our economy is under direct attack,' said Eby. 'I think we can make any necessary arguments in court about how First Nations will have to actually consent to have these fast track processes applied to private sector projects that take place in their core territory.' More to come … Read More Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks Crime News
Toronto Sun
26-05-2025
- Business
- Toronto Sun
'A snake oil salesman': B.C. First Nations call out Premier David Eby before he unveils economic vision
First Nations say 'era of trust is over' with the NDP government, while environmental groups worry legislation will be used to fastrack LNG Don Tom, chief of the Tsartlip First Nation, says Bill 15 concentrates power within the provincial cabinet. Photo by CHAD HIPOLITO / THE CANADIAN PRESS Before a press conference billed by Premier David Eby as the unveiling of B.C.'s future economic direction, First Nations leaders and environmental activists said 'the era of trust is over' when it comes to relations with the NDP government. 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. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. 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 Don't have an account? Create Account Don Tom, chief of the Tsartlip First Nation, told reporters in Victoria that the government's recently introduced fast-tracking legislation, which expedites the environmental assessment process for schools, hospitals, wind power projects and others deemed 'provincially significant,' walks all over First Nations and the environmental process the NDP themselves introduced. While the premier and Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma have pitched Bill 15 as a necessary measure to get critical infrastructure built in communities across B.C., Tom said that what it really does is concentrate power within the provincial cabinet. 'This bill gives cabinet the authority to override permitting and environmental assessments for projects they deem priority,' he said. 'There are no clear limits, no binding safeguards, no commitment to co-governance with the rights holders. This means major infrastructure, including potentially extractive projects, could be fast-tracked without our involvement, without proper scrutiny.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. 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. Hugh Braker, First Nations Summit political executive, said he had voted for the NDP in the last provincial election, as did Tom, but would not be making that mistake again. He said it is too late to 'tinker' with the legislation and that the only path forward for the government is to withdraw the bill if it wants to rebuild trust with First Nations. On the environmental side of the equation, Andhra Azevedo, a staff lawyer with Ecojustice, and Kiki Wood, senior oil and gas campaigner for said there is no guarantee the government won't use Bill 15 for fossil fuel projects it deems 'provincially significant,' even if the NDP has said they will not. What Eby has said he will use the legislation for is to expedite certain mining projects, such as those that produce critical minerals. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Bill 15, as written, fails to respect the purpose of our environmental laws that this government had previously strengthened,' said Azevedo. B.C. Premier David Eby says he will use Bill 15 to expedite mining projects that produce critical minerals. Photo by B.C. Government Torrance Coste of the Wilderness Committee added that the premier is using the threat of U.S. tariffs as justification to use tactics similar to those used by U.S. President Donald Trump. Asked what Eby had told Indigenous leaders during his two meetings with them regarding the bill, Tom said he had been 'dismissive' and didn't 'seem inclined to hear our concerns.' The chief said he has heard of dissension in the NDP ranks but would not elaborate and so far no MLA has spoken out publicly against the government's direction. 'Right now, when it comes to Bill 14 and 15, Mr. Eby is a snake oil salesman. He'll tell us how great it is, what the benefits are but we know, in reality, that it will do us no good,' he said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We'll take every legal means possible to not only quash Bill 14 and 15 but, should they somehow get it passed that, no First Nations wants to use their resources to go into court, but we are prepared to, and we are co-ordinating our efforts as we speak.' Speaking to Postmedia last week, Eby said that if First Nations want to go to court over Bill 15, that is their prerogative and that his government's lawyers will be prepared to make any argument in court they need in defence of the legislation. He said that, at the end of the day, the province needs to make sure it gets infrastructure built, both for growing communities and the province's economic development. 'The bill's about speeding up essential infrastructure like schools and hospitals and roads as well as major economic projects that the province is reliant on to create jobs and prosperity at a time when our economy is under direct attack,' said Eby. 'I think we can make any necessary arguments in court about how First Nations will have to actually consent to have these fast track processes applied to private sector projects that take place in their core territory.' More to come … Read More Relationships Columnists Football Ontario Celebrity
CTV News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Chief says ‘era of trust' between First Nations and Eby is over if bills pass
Tsartlip First Nation Chief Don Tom speaks during a ceremony in the Hall of Honour at the Legislature, in Victoria, Wednesday, March 30, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito VICTORIA — A First Nations leader says the 'era of trust' with the government of B.C. Premier David Eby is over if two bills responding to American tariffs pass this week. Chief Don Tom of the Tsartlip First Nation in Greater Victoria says First Nations will do everything in their legal power to kill bills 14 and 15, adding that First Nations will remember the actions of the government at the next election. Tom says at a protest in downtown Victoria steps away from the legislature that this won't just apply to the Premier himself, but every MLA who votes for the bills. The government says Bill 15 is needed to speed up public and private infrastructure projects in the face of tariff threats from the United States, while Bill 14 would streamline permitting for renewable energy projects, such as wind farms. First Nations want the bills withdrawn or revised, saying they undermine environmental standards and the constitutional rights of consultation for First Nations. Tom, who attended a meeting between Eby and the First Nations Leadership Council this month, says First Nations have 'a good record in the court system' when it comes to protecting their constitutional rights for consultation. This report by Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press, was first published May 26, 2025.
CTV News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Chief says ‘era of trust' between First Nations and Eby is over if bills pass
Tsartlip First Nation Chief Don Tom speaks during a ceremony in the Hall of Honour at the Legislature, in Victoria, Wednesday, March 30, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito VICTORIA — A First Nations leader says the 'era of trust' with the government of B.C. Premier David Eby is over if two bills responding to American tariffs pass this week. Chief Don Tom of the Tsartlip First Nation in Greater Victoria says First Nations will do everything in their legal power to kill bills 14 and 15, adding that First Nations will remember the actions of the government at the next election. Tom says at a protest in downtown Victoria steps away from the legislature that this won't just apply to the Premier himself, but every MLA who votes for the bills. The government says Bill 15 is needed to speed up public and private infrastructure projects in the face of tariff threats from the United States, while Bill 14 would streamline permitting for renewable energy projects, such as wind farms. First Nations want the bills withdrawn or revised, saying they undermine environmental standards and the constitutional rights of consultation for First Nations. Tom, who attended a meeting between Eby and the First Nations Leadership Council this month, says First Nations have 'a good record in the court system' when it comes to protecting their constitutional rights for consultation. This report by Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press, was first published May 26, 2025.
