New legislation to put public interest first in resource decisions

The British Columbia government has introduced legislation to modernize the environmental assessment (EA) of major resource projects. This is designed to provide a clear and timely path for the approval of responsible resource projects, pursue reconciliation with B.C.’s Indigenous peoples, increase public engagement and transparency and deliver stronger environmental protections. British Columbia was one of the first provinces in Canada to introduce environmental assessment legislation in 1995 and is making its comprehensive regulatory framework stronger. …Revitalizing the environmental assessment process in B.C. is a shared priority between government and the B.C. Green Party caucus, and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement. …In introducing the environmental assessment act, Heyman said Indigenous participation in environmental assessments will also be greatly enhanced. If passed, the legislation will result in an EA process delivering timely, evidence-based decisions where the public can more actively participate.