‘Era of trust over’: First Nations blast B.C. government’s infrastructure bills

Tsartlip First Nation Chief Don Tom said, “the era of trust is over” between First Nations and the B.C. NDP, accusing Premier David Eby of adopting “Trumpism” and unilateral decision-making to enact controversial infrastructure legislation.

Tom made the comments to reporters Monday alongside other First Nations leaders and environmental advocates outside the Royal B.C. Museum, just steps from the provincial legislature.

The government appears intent on passing Bill 15 this week before MLAs adjourn for the summer. The bill would enable the province to fast-track specific infrastructure projects deemed “provincially significant,” granting cabinet broad powers to expedite permitting and approvals. The government has not clarified the precise criteria for such designation.

Another contentious bill, Bill 14, would streamline permitting for renewable energy projects, assigning regulatory authority to the B.C. Energy Regulator, a Crown corporation partially funded by the oil and gas industry.

The First Nations Leadership Council says the bills breach the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which mandates meaningful engagement with First Nations in legislative processes.

Tom accused the premier of dismissing First Nations’ concerns, saying, “Right now when it comes to Bill 14 and 15, Mr. Eby is a snake oil salesman. He’ll tell us how great it is, what the benefits are, but we know in reality it will do us no good.”

First Nations Summit Political Executive Hugh Braker reiterated calls for the withdrawal of the legislation.

“It’s too late to tinker with the legislation,” said Braker. “If all you’re going to do is tinker with it, then you’re not addressing the fundamental problems of the legislation.”

The Union of B.C. Municipalities has also expressed opposition to Bill 15, saying there has been insufficient consultation with local governments and that the language in the bill is too vague.

Speaking Monday in Vancouver at an announcement about mining developments in northwest B.C., Eby again acknowledged the government’s inadequate engagement with the First Nations Leadership Council on Bill 15.

“I understand why there’s a lack of trust,” Eby said. “Anytime a government has said we want to do projects faster, it has always come at the expense of First Nations.”

However, Eby insisted his government remains committed to closely partnering with First Nations, emphasizing the need for a “predictable plan” for economic development involving First Nations, communities and industry stakeholders.

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad criticized Eby’s approach.

“Eby seems to be not interested in actually doing engagement and earning that trust that should be there,” said Rustad. “Instead, he’s just going ‘Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.’”

Bills 14 and 15 are expected to be voted on Wednesday after the government invoked closure, limiting debate. The Conservatives and Greens have stated they will oppose the bills.