Xatśūll First Nation says it is "firmly opposed" to B.C.'s bills 14 and 15.
In a press release published on May 20, the First Nation stated the two bills overstep the province's duty to consult with First Nations and to receive their consent for projects taking place on their territories.
The nation, located just 20 minutes north of Williams Lake, also called on the province to withdraw the bills which it said threaten their lands, sovereignty and future.
"We have been forced to watch our nation repeatedly be sidelined in decisions that directly impact our territory, our rights, and our future,” said Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rhonda Phillips and the Xatśūll First Nation council.
The bills in question have been controversial since they were first tabled in the legislature by Premiere David Eby's government on April 30 and May 1, respectively. Bill 14, the Renewable Energy Projects (Streamlined Permitting) Act, and Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act, are designed to speed up permitting processes for energy and key infrastructure projects. The bills have been described as a way to fill gaps in infrastructure and meet demands while also strengthening the province's economy.
“This legislation is the next step forward," said Bowinn Ma, B.C.'s minister of infrastructure in a press release following the introduction of the Infrastructure Projects Act to the legislature. "As we work to deliver projects faster, this gives us the tools to accelerate key projects and help strengthen our province, while maintaining our commitments to advancing reconciliation and protecting the environment.”
Bill 14 consolidates regulatory authority for renewable energy projects under the BC Energy Regulator, simplifying permitting processes which typically involve several agencies and ministries. Bill 15 will overcome what Eby described as unnecessary and costly processes which delay projects identified as a priority such as schools and hospitals.
"This legislation is designed to speed up permitting and approvals to get shovels in the ground more quickly on priority projects," Eby said. The act would allow for an expedited environmental assessment process as well as for alternative pathways to permitting.
On Thursday, May 15, B.C.'s The First Nations Leadership Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the bills' potential impacts and expressed their shared rejection of the bills. In a press release following the meeting, the council said it was disappointed with the premiere's response to proceed with the bills.
"The province is saying ‘trust us’ and that they won’t misuse the unfettered power these bills provide; however, considering the bills were created without consultation and cooperation and that the province continues to refuse any amendments, it is unclear what this trust would be based on," said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC president. "If the province wants to fast-track projects, these bills are not going to do that, they are setting the stage for bigger fights.”
The bills have also faced criticism from leaders across the province including the leader of the Interim B.C. Green Party Leader Jeremy Valeriote and the mayor of View Royal, located near Victoria, who wrote an open letter expressing his opposition to Bill 15. Lorne Doerkson, MLA for the Cariboo-Chilcotin riding, also criticized the bills. During the May 14 legislative assembly, Doerkson said he was concerned that Bill 14 could mean a lack of consultation with the public when it comes to proposed projects.
Xatśūll's opposition comes just over a month after it filed a judicial review of an authorization by the province to allow the Mount Polley Mining Corporation to raise its tailings dam by four metres without first conducting an environmental assessment.
“We are already in the middle of a judicial review because the Province ignored its legal obligation to consult and accommodate us on a mining project expansion," said Kúkpi7 Phillips and her council in the press release. "Now, with Bill 14 and Bill 15, they are trying to push through legislation that would make it even easier to exclude us — stripping away environmental oversight and removing critical accountability.”
The leaders called referred to the bills as a step backwards to a time when First Nations were expected to accept decisions made by colonial governments.
The bills were read in the legislature for the second time on May 6 and are scheduled to be read a third time on May 28. If the third readings are passed, the bills will become law.
With files from Lauren Collins
