B.C. minister says government erred in not consulting First Nations on legislation

B.C.'s Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma said her government "made an error" in not adequately consulting First Nations on a bill proposing to speed up private and public infrastructure projects.

Her admission came during debate Thursday on Bill 15 in the legislature over concerns relayed by the First Nations Leadership Council, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, and the B.C. Assembly of First Nations. 

Those opposed to the bill say it either needs to be fixed or killed because it undermines environmental assessments and the constitutional rights of First Nations to be consulted. 

Ma has rejected the complaints, saying the proposed bill neither changes environmental standards nor the constitutional rights of First Nations to be consulted on projects. 

But she acknowledged that the government has misread the interests of Indigenous leaders and promises that her government will consult First Nations widely on the regulations. 

Ma and Premier David Eby, who has already met with First Nations leaders about Bill 15, are scheduled to meet with them again later today. 

LISTEN | Tsartlip Chief says province's Bill 15 is governmental overreach and diminishes partnerships with First Nations:

All Points West7:43Tsartlip Chief says province’s Bill 15 is governmental overreach and diminishes partnerships with First Nations

Tsartlip First Nation Chief Don Tom is raising his community’s concerns with the province’s new Infrastructure Projects Act (Bill 15), which could be used to fast track major projects from schools to pipelines. He spoke with guest host Kathryn Marlow.

Opposition Conservative Leader John Rustad renewed his call on Thursday for the government to withdraw the bill to allow for proper consultations. 

"David Eby seems hell bent on just wanting to say, 'it's my way or the highway,'" Rustad said. 

B.C. Green Party member Rob Botterell said his party opposes the bill for a range of reasons, including the lack of consultation with First Nations.

LISTEN | First Nations leaders have concerns over Bill 15:

The Early Edition8:46First Nations leaders have concerns over Bill 15

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip outlines B.C. First Nations leaders' concerns on the province's Bill 15 Infrastructure Projects Act.

"It's a very broad piece of legislation that reserves a whole ton of power and decision-making to cabinet," Botterell said. 

The bill passed second reading on Tuesday by two votes, as 46 New Democrats voted in favour, while 41 Conservatives joined the two B.C. Greens and Independent Jordan Kealy to vote against it. 

Independents Brodie Dallas and Tara Armstrong were absent from the vote.