Reconciliation at risk: First Nations leaders criticise BC Government's legislative agenda

Joseph Guenzler Published June 3, 2025 at 8.00am (AWST)

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Canadian First Nations leaders have criticised the passing of British Columbia’s passage of Bills 14 and 15 over rights violations. (Image: BCAFN)

Canada's First Nations Leadership Council has expressed its deep disappointment following the passage of Bills 14 and 15 in British Columbia legislature last week.

Bills 14, the Renewable Energy Projects (Streamlined Permitting) Act, and 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act, were both passed by a 47-46 vote, with the Speaker casting the deciding votes.

The bills give the government broad powers to fast-track permitting and approvals for renewable energy and infrastructure projects.

The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) said the legislation was approved despite significant opposition from First Nations peoples and legal concerns about its alignment with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

BCAFN regional chief Terry Teegee said the decision marks a low point in the relationship between the Provincial government and First Nations.

"The passage of Bills 14 and 15 represents a new low point in the relationship between the Provincial Crown and First Nations," he said.

"Premier Eby and his government have chosen to ignore our voices, dismiss our rights, and trample on the very reconciliation framework they helped create.

"The damage to our relationship will be profound and lasting."

First Nations summit political executive Robert Phillips said attempts were made to work with the government prior to the passage of the Bills.

"Regrettably, the Province forced closure on Bills last night that are in direct contravention of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and which are resoundingly opposed by First Nations and others," he said.

"The First Nations Leadership Council did its best to message to the Province the problems with the Bills and offered to work with them in the coming months, should they pause the Bills to create opportunity for the government to carry out its obligations to First Nations.

"It was our hope to work together on solutions... unfortunately, our offer was not taken up."

*Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs president, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip. (Image: UBCIC)*

Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs president grand chief Stewart Phillip said the opposition to the Bills was widespread among First Nations.

"There is overwhelming opposition from First Nations all over the Province to Bills 14 and 15," he said.

"With the Province's forced closure of the Bills last night, reconciliation in B.C. is having a near death experience.

"For the past few weeks, our relationship with the Province on the Bills has been challenged by unilateral decision making and the Province's condescending attitude that they know what's best for all First Nations in B.C."

The FNLC includes representatives from the BC Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit, and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.

Chief Terry Teegee said the fight will continue.

"First Nations do not have the luxury of walking away from this fight," he said.

"Our ancestors demand that we continue to stand up for our rights and title, as our future generations depend on it.

"We will use every legal and available tool at our disposal to protect what is rightfully ours and to hold this government accountable for breaking their own laws."