British Columbia’s Bill 15: Expediting Projects at the Expense of Indigenous Rights and Reconciliation – JFK Law LLP

The government of British Columbia is trying to pass Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act, by the end of May 2025.

The proposed legislation would empower BC’s NDP government to expedite major infrastructure projects, allowing governmental and private actors to sidestep regulatory and permitting requirements. Thanks to Bill 15, projects such as the construction of housing, mines, and pipelines could be given BC’s rubber stamp of approval.

By granting the province wide discretion to move projects along, Bill 15 has the potential to negatively impact Indigenous rights and sovereignty. Bill 15 was created in response to American tariff measures, without meaningful consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples.[1] The proposed legislation contemplates expediting projects led by Indigenous partners, but in the same gesture it erodes meaningful consultation.

Read More: https://jfklaw.ca/british-columbias-bill-15-expediting-projects-at-the-expense-of-indigenous-rights-and-reconciliation/