B.C. premier pushes plan for mining exploration despite Bill 15 backlash

Premier David Eby has unveiled his plan to speed up mining development in northwestern B.C. to boost the provincial economy. But the announcement was overshadowed by growing opposition to a controversial law that will fast-track infrastructure and resource projects.

Eby says he has a plan to enable the province to fast-track mining development in northwestern B.C., while respecting First Nations rights and conserving B.C.'s sensitive ecosystems.

"High environmental standards and partnerships with First Nations are not at odds with resource development," Eby said at a news conference overlooking the Port of Vancouver on Monday. 

"Here in British Columbia, economic development, conservation of precious water and land and partnership with First Nations go together."

Eby says there's no reason it should take 12 to 15 years to approve a new mining project in B.C. 

"The northwest is rich with critical minerals and metals that are the building blocks for much of the technology we rely on for our lives today, and they're also essential to new technology that will power our lives in the future. From electric cars and batteries to wind turbines and solar panels, we can't do it without these resources." 

At stake, he says, is almost $50 billion in economic potential and tens of thousands of high-paying jobs. 

Key to the government's economic growth plan is Bill 15. It's controversial proposed legislation that would give the cabinet the power to accelerate public infrastructure projects like schools and hospitals, and "provincially significant" private resource projects like critical mineral mines. 

WATCH | Backlash to NDP's resources bill: 

Eby’s mining announcement overshadowed by backlash to controversial Bill 15

3 days ago

Duration 2:07

Premier David Eby has unveiled his plan to speed up mining development to boost B.C.’s economy. But as Katie DeRosa reports, the announcement was overshadowed by growing opposition to a controversial bill.

Indigenous leaders, environmental groups and the Union of B.C. Municipalities say the NDP government is giving itself unchecked power to push through resource projects with limited consultation or ecological safeguards. 

Tsartlip First Nations Chief Don Tom called Eby a "snake oil salesman" whose pledge to First Nations that they will be consulted about major projects amounts to "trust us, bro." 

"Trust has been broken between First Nations and the David Eby government," said Tom. 

Hugh Braker, who sits on the First Nations Summit's political executive, said Indigenous leaders who voted for the NDP in the election feel betrayed. 

"All the promises they made during the campaign last fall have gone out the window. They say damn the environment, full speed ahead." 

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.

Eby says the government's economic plans for mining are not connected to the proposed law. 

"There's no connection between Bill 15 and today's announcement," he said. 

That, despite mines being a key example cited at Eby's news conference on May 1, when he announced the bill. 

Eby acknowledged that a mining project could be deemed "provincially significant" and therefore fast-tracked under that same bill.

"We do have theoretically — should the bill pass —  opportunities under Bill 15," Eby said in response to a question from CBC News. "But even if Bill 15 didn't exist, we'd still be doing this announcement today."

The Association for Mineral Exploration said in a statement that in order for the province's proposed strategy for mining exploration to succeed, "it must be an open and transparent process that includes the mineral exploration sector at the table with government, First Nations and other partners."

Three First Nations leaders at Eby's event — the Tahltan, Kaska͛ and Taku River Tlingit — say they are optimistic about the province's economic plan for mining development in northwestern B.C., which, they say, includes reconciliation and conservation.

"We want to see our lives change for the better," said Beverly Slater, the president of the Tahltan Central Government.

In 2023, the Tahltan Central Government and the province reached a co-operation deal on the Red Chris gold and copper mine located in Tahltan territory. 

However, none of the First Nations' leaders at the news conference wanted to speak publicly about Bill 15 when asked by CBC News.

MLAs are set to vote on the final stage of the bill this week.

Don Tom says if it passes, First Nations groups are prepared to launch legal action.