A leader from the Indigenous community stated that the period of trust with the administration of B.C. Premier David Eby will come to an end should two bills reacting to American tariffs be approved this week.
Chief Don Tom of the Tsartlip First Nation in Greater Victoria emphasized that First Nations will exhaust all legal means to defeat bills 14 and 15, warning that First Nations will consider the government’s actions in the upcoming election.
Tom, speaking at a demonstration near the legislature in downtown Victoria, highlighted that this stance will not only be directed at the Premier but at every MLA supporting the bills.
“It’s the individuals who prioritize environmental concerns and the welfare of British Columbia, who supported the B.C. NDP,” Tom remarked.
“We will recall their stance on issues and their exercise of power during the next election,” he added.
The government argues that Bill 15 is crucial to expedite infrastructure projects, both public and private, in response to tariff risks from the United States, while Bill 14 aims to simplify the permitting process for eco-friendly projects like wind farms.
First Nations demand the withdrawal or modification of the bills, asserting that they weaken environmental regulations and the legal rights of Indigenous groups to consultation.
Opposition has also been voiced by the Union of B.C. Municipalities and other critics.
Tom, who participated in a meeting between Eby and the First Nations Leadership Council recently, pointed out that First Nations have a strong track record in the legal system when safeguarding their rights to consultation.
Tom noted that while he has raised these concerns with Eby directly, the response has been either silence or a mere acknowledgment, without any indication of a change in direction.
“I don’t see these government meetings as productive,” he expressed. “It’s essentially the government dictating their plans to us,” Tom added.
He expressed hope that there are still individuals within the government who will question the decisions and urged them to speak up against any unjust actions.
The government is keen on passing both Bill 14 and Bill 15 on Wednesday after resorting to closure on the bills.
