Premier David Eby says no major projects in B.C. will proceed without First Nations’ ownership as the province prepares to pass fast-track legislation.
As British Columbia accelerates plans for large-scale infrastructure development, Premier David Eby has made one thing clear: no project will move forward without First Nations’ consent and equity ownership.
Speaking ahead of the anticipated passage of Bill 15 – the Infrastructure Projects Act, Eby emphasized that Indigenous partnership isn’t a formality, but a foundational requirement for any initiative seeking priority status under the new framework.
“For us, it’s about actual ownership by the Nation whose territory the projects are going on,” Eby said.
What Is Bill 15? And Why Does It Matter?
Bill 15, expected to pass by the end of May, grants the B.C. cabinet the authority to designate infrastructure projects as provincially significant, allowing them to bypass standard regulatory timelines.
The bill is part of a broader strategy to reduce economic dependence on the U.S., especially in the face of trade tensions and tariffs under U.S. President Donald Trump. Priority sectors include:
- Clean energy
- Critical mineral mining
- Public infrastructure (e.g., schools and hospitals)
However, Premier Eby confirmed that the legislation excludes pipelines and LNG projects, resisting pressure from neighbouring Alberta to fast-track oil and gas developments.
Indigenous Consent is Non-Negotiable
While the bill aims to cut red tape, Indigenous consultation and ownership remain the core conditions for approval. Eby clarified that any project lacking First Nations partnership would not receive expedited status.
“There are too many potential court challenges. Constitutional rights are non-negotiable,” he stated.
This stance has already prompted the mining sector to shift gears, with nearly every advanced critical mineral project in the province now negotiating partnership or revenue-sharing agreements with local First Nations.
Backlash from Environmental and Indigenous Leaders
Despite Eby’s assurances, the bill has faced sharp criticism for being introduced without prior consultation. Last week, the Premier personally apologized to the First Nations Leadership Council, who called the move a step backward in reconciliation.
Both the Green and Conservative parties have pledged to vote against Bill 15, aligning with environmental groups who fear the fast-track powers may still erode oversight.
Indigenous Equity, Not Just Consultation
The future of infrastructure in B.C. hinges on equity participation, not token consultation, Eby said. His government will soon unveil an equity loan program for First Nations, designed to help communities buy stakes in major projects and build generational wealth.
The federal government, through mechanisms like the Canada Infrastructure Bank, is expected to provide complementary support.
“We’re hopeful to see a real explosion in Indigenous participation in a meaningful way in major projects in the province,” Eby added.
Already, BC Hydro now requires equity ownership by First Nations in its clean power project bids. Eight of the last ten successful proposals met that threshold, most enabled by federal equity financing.
Industry Responds: The Shift Is Already Underway
According to Michael Goehring, CEO of the Mining Association of B.C., the industry is adapting quickly to meet the government’s expectations.
“In British Columbia, you need good rocks and strong First Nations partnerships,” he said.
“We can expedite mining while respecting Indigenous rights and title.”
Goehring emphasized that the real bottleneck remains regulatory delays, not lack of cooperation with Indigenous communities. He urged the government to deliver promised transmission infrastructure to unlock new investments.
The Bottom Line: A New Era of Development Through Reconciliation
As B.C. positions itself as a leader in clean energy and critical minerals, Premier Eby’s message is clear: Indigenous partnership is not optional—it’s the pathway forward.
With legislation, funding, and industry momentum aligned, British Columbia may set a new national benchmark for building major projects that are both economically and ethically sustainable.
Stay with Maple News Wire for continued coverage on B.C.’s evolving infrastructure policies and Indigenous-led development across Canada.
