(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) – The BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) is urging Premier David Eby, Minister of Infrastructure Bowinn Ma, and the BC NDP Government to immediately withdraw Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act. The proposed legislation betrays the Province’s commitment to recognize and respect the rights of First Nations, and was drafted in violation of BC’s own Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).  

Bill 15 would give the Minister of Infrastructure broad powers to acquire land and allow Cabinet to fast-track infrastructure projects deemed “provincially significant” – powers that risk bypassing Indigenous rights, local input, and environmental oversight.  

As we write in our open letter:  

“Bill 15 is a triple threat: A threat to building right relations with First Nations; a threat to our democratic processes; and a threat to the health of the lands and peoples of ‘British Columbia.’”   

BCCLA is proud to join the growing chorus of First Nations, environmental groups, local governments, and concerned residents calling on the BC NDP Government to withdraw Bill 15.