Environmental Assessment BC – CP

Source: The Canadian Press – Broadcast wire
Nov 5, 2018 

By Dirk Meissner

VICTORIA – British Columbia’s government is moving to increase the participation of Indigenous people in the environmental assessment of projects with new legislation tabled Monday.

Environment Minister George Heyman says the government is proposing to repeal the current Environmental Assessment Act and replace it with a new act that greatly enhances Indigenous and public participation throughout the assessment process.

Heyman says the new Environmental Assessment Act seeks to deliver stronger environmental protections with increased public participation, which includes inclusion of First Nations from the start of an environmental review.

He says involving Indigenous people from the beginning of a project assessment signals the government’s commitment to reconciliation and implementation of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The United Nations declaration establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the Indigenous Peoples of the world.

Heyman adds it also looks to reduce the potential for legal challenges and protests that have impacted economic development in the past.

(The Canadian Press)

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