Premier David Eby is not backing down from proposed legislation that would allow the government to fast-track infrastructure projects.
This, despite considerable pushback from Indigenous leaders and opposition parties who fear Bill 15 is so broad, it will give the government carte blanche to steamroll over environmental protections and First Nations rights.
“It’s draconian legislation,” says Tsartlip First Nations Chief Don Tom. “To me, this is a gold rush. This is a gold rush that opens anyone up for business.”
The Infrastructure Projects Act, if passed, will speed up the approval process for hospitals, schools and bridges, as well as private projects like critical mineral mines, as long as they’re deemed projects of “provincial significance.”
A separate piece of legislation will also speed up the approval of clean energy projects.
The backdrop is the ongoing trade war with the U.S. and Eby’s pledge to reduce B.C.’s reliance on our southern …