BC Greens push back on vague wording in NDP emergency powers bill [Video]

British Columbia’s Green Party says the NDP government needs to “explain why” its proposal for broad-reaching emergency cabinet powers is needed before its two members support the legislation.

Interim Leader Jeremy Valeriote said in a statement that while he understands the “urgency of the situation” given the ongoing trade strife with the United States, the proposed Bill 7 in its current form has “vague wording” and “could allow for sweeping economic decisions without clear limits or transparency.”

“There’s no need for secrecy,” Valeriote said. “Decisions should be made openly, not behind closed doors, and the legislature should receive regular reporting on what decisions are being made.”

The bill was tabled last week and would give B.C.’s cabinet sweeping powers to make regulations that address challenges or anticipated challenges from the actions of a foreign jurisdiction, or for a purpose “supporting the economy of British Columbia and Canada” without requiring a …