The ʔaq̓am Chief and Council are calling for the withdrawal of two provincial bills they say threaten Indigenous rights and environmental protections in the Kootenay region.
Bill 14, the Renewable Energy Projects (Streamlined Permitting) Act, aims to speed up approvals for renewable energy projects by centralizing decision-making within the provincial government.
Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act, proposes a new framework to fast-track major infrastructure projects, with reduced oversight from Indigenous and local governments.
The ʔaq̓am leadership, part of the Ktunaxa Nation, says the legislation could allow the province to bypass legally required consultation with First Nations and weaken environmental safeguards in their traditional territory, which includes areas around Cranbrook and the Elk Valley.
“The implications of these bills are profoundly far-reaching,” said Nasuʔkin (Chief) Cheryl Casimer in a statement. “If passed, they would pose a serious risk of significantly impacting the lands, waters and resources that we have a responsibility to steward within our homelands. It is a direct threat to our sovereignty.”
Casimer said the bills were introduced without meaningful consultation and warned they could undermine existing agreements developed over the past decade between the Ktunaxa Nation and the province.
The provincial government has said the legislation is intended to improve efficiency and support the clean energy transition. Premier David Eby has stated publicly that no projects will proceed without First Nations’ consent, though Casimer notes that language does not appear in the draft legislation.
“I truly hope that Premier Eby and his Cabinet reconsider and meaningfully consult and cooperate with First Nation Title and Rights holders with regard to these bills,” said Casimer.
The ʔaq̓am Council is urging the province to halt the legislation and engage in meaningful consultation with Indigenous governments across B.C.
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