Robert Phillips

Leaders from local governments and First Nations held a joint press conference Thursday to voice their collective opposition to the B.C. government’s Bill 15, which aims to expedite infrastructure products. …“If passed into law, Bill 15 would give greater powers to cabinet to expedite the approval of projects it deems to be ‘provincially significant.’ First Nations and local governments have expressed concern with the lack of consultation prior to the legislation being drafted,” the two entities stated in a joint statement issued via the UBCM. …The FNLC said the bill may override the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, while local governments said they are concerned about local planning being disrupted. …Premier David Eby said the legislation would benefit both Indigenous communities and municipalities. …Robert Phillips, political executive member of the First Nations Summit, called the bill an “unfortunate and avoidable” process.