Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis says he and his party are opposed to the B.C. Government’s proposed Bill 15, which would allow the NDP to fast-track infrastructure projects it sees as important to the province.
McInnis says this bill could lead to rural British Columbians’ needs being ignored.
“The challenge we as opposition (the BC Conservatives) and I have is that we’re a long way from Vancouver and Victoria and I don’t see any guard rails in the bill that expedite any processes for rural British Columbia,” said McInnis.
McInnis says the controversial bill has seen opposition from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
“We have spoken with the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and they demand an immediate withdrawal of Bill 15, as it doesn’t provide consent frameworks as made out in the current law,” said McInnis.
“I have also spoken to NasuÊ”kin (Chief) Cheryl Casimer at Ê”aq’am, who echoes everything the First Nation Leadership Council said- this bill is flawed, it sidesteps the need to consult with First Nations in the drafting of this bill, so it needs to go.”
The B.C. Government says the bill is meant to ensure the province can act quickly to counter the economic impacts of U.S.-imposed tariffs.
“At a time of uncertainty caused by Donald Trump’s tariffs, it’s more important than ever that we create more good-paying jobs by delivering the critical infrastructure projects people need – faster,” said Premier David Eby.
“We are building a record number of new schools, hospitals and major transportation projects across B.C., but too many others face unnecessary and costly delays. This legislation is designed to speed up permitting and approvals to get shovels in the ground more quickly on priority projects.”
However, McInnis says his party cannot back Bill 15, despite the BC Conservatives being in favour of resource development.
“Generally speaking, we support expediting major infrastructure and resource projects across British Columbia, but this bill fails to address several concerns around eliminating all red tape for all projects and proper consultation with First Nations,” said McInnis.
“They’re allowing the Premier and the cabinet to hand-pick projects at their sole discretion that they see as provincially significant. That’s not how this is supposed to work.”
The Green Party and, according to McInnis, some MLAs within the NDP are not willing to throw their support to the contentious legislation.
“There are many areas where we (the BC Conservatives) align our values with the Green Party when it comes to good governance and proper processes,” said McInnis.
“There are several NDP MLAs who are very strong First Nations advocates, and I can assure that discussions within their caucus are not ones of positivity and solidarity around Bill 15.”
McInnis feels the provincial government should not have sole control over which projects get fast-tracked for approval.
“When we’re talking about spending billions of dollars in taxpayer money, we need to get local governments, First Nations and opposition involved in the conversation,” said McInnis.
“Bill 15 eliminates that process altogether.”
The controversial bill will be up for discussion for the remainder of the spring Legislative sitting, which ends on May 29.
More: Eby pressing ahead with fast-track infrastructure despite First Nations pushback (May 15, 2025)
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