Premier David Eby is facing growing opposition from Indigenous leaders over Bill 15, a new law aimed at accelerating infrastructure and resource development in British Columbia. The bill would allow the province to fast-track major projects by shortening environmental reviews, issuing permits more quickly, and overriding local barriers.
While Eby says the legislation won’t be used to approve pipelines or LNG facilities, and promises it will only apply to projects with Indigenous partnerships, the province’s top First Nations organizations say the process is deeply flawed. They were not consulted before the bill was introduced, which they argue violates BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act — legislation passed in 2019 requiring early engagement and consent for laws that affect Indigenous rights and lands.
Leaders from the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, First Nations Summit, and BC Assembly of First Nations met with Eby, asking him to withdraw the bill and restart the process. They say failure to do so could breach constitutional duties and international commitments under UNDRIP. Eby has apologized for the lack of consultation but insists the bill will proceed, describing it as essential for meeting the needs of a rapidly growing province.
