Despite growing opposition, NDP plans to go ahead with Bill 15

Time is running out for the NDP to get support for a controversial bill to fast-track approval of major projects.

Tension was escalating during question period on Tuesday, just two days ahead of legislature ending for summer.

“Just call the election already instead of having all these games around bill 14 and 15,” taunted B.C. Conservative MLA, Peter Milobar.

The opposition goaded the NDP government over its controversial bills, designed to fast track energy and infrastructure projects.

“Honourable member, in your dreams,” responded NDP House Leader Mike Farnworth, reacting to Milobar’s suggestion the opposition would win any such election.

Bills 14 and 15 have come under heavy scrutiny, particularly from First Nations leaders who are angry they weren’t consulted, as required under the law.

“Complete up-ending of the relationship between the NDP and First Nations in British Columbia,” said Grand Chief Stewart Philipps, the President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, when describing the impact of the bills on Tuesday.

The NDP tried a last minute amendment to Bill 15 on Monday night that would have required the government to consult with First Nations on regulations for criteria to designate a project to be fast tracked under the legislation.

“Concerns that our commitment and assurances alone was not enough. We were willing to bind ourselves in statute to our commitment - it was not successful,” said Infrastructure Bowinn Ma on Tuesday, recounting the motivation for the amendment.

The BC Conservatives and Greens rejected the amendment at the committee stage Monday night – noting First Nations weren’t consulted on the amendment either.

“Then an amendment comes forward, they hadn’t been consulted on the amendment, so two wrongs don’t make a right,” said Green MLA Rob Botterell.

First Nations leaders with the First National Leadership Council sent a letter Monday to premier Eby, reiterating calls to withdraw the bills. The government declined to do so, and says it will pass the bills Wednesday.

“Grand Chief Stewart Phillip famously said that reconciliation is not for wimps, and the process towards reconciliation is not a straight line,” Ma told reporters.

In the face of the backlash, the opposition parties are also calling for the bills to be put off and reworked in the fall.

“Everybody’s opposed to Bill 15, why does this premier keep ramming this thing through,” questioned Conservative Leader John Rustad.

“He should just own up to it, he made a mistake, and pull this bill and go back to the drawing board.”

Stewart says, despite his disappointment with the NDP over its handling of the bills, he still prefers them over the alternative, the BC Conservatives.

“Keenly aware who’s sitting on the edge of their chairs on eh opposition side,” said Stewart.

The Grand Chief said a meeting had been scheduled with Premier Eby and First Nations leaders for Tuesday afternoon but the government side had cancelled the meeting.