Necessary tool or ‘power grab?’ B.C. NDP seeks to give itself new powers to fight U.S. threats [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 can support the legislation.

The NDP has a one-seat majority in the legislature and could pass the bill without Green assistance, but the two parties last week signed a confidence agreement that includes an NDP “commitment” to consult the Greens” with respect to the shared initiatives as listed in this agreement in relation to the United States Tariffs and Trade Actions.”

Interim Green 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 …