First Nations, local governments ramp up opposition to B.C. fast-track bill [Video]

British Columbia’s NDP government is facing more pushback on legislation aimed at fast-tracking major projects in the province.

First Nations and municipal leaders joined together on Thursday to call for the government to withdraw Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act, which would grant cabinet new powers to expedite “provincially significant” projects.

At a joint press conference, the First Nations Leadership Council and the Union of BC Municipalities said they hadn’t been sufficiently consulted on the bill.

The legislation, as drafted, conflicts with the government’s obligations under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples while granting the province “extraordinary powers” to override local government regulations, including zoning bylaws and official community plans, the groups said.

Union of British Columbia Municipalities president Trish Mandewo said that municipalities welcome the province’s focus on speeding up housing construction.

“But not through transferring power from communities to Victoria,” she said.

“The provisions in Bill …