British Columbia's government is moving to increase the participation of Indigenous people in the environmental assessment of projects with new legislation tabled Monday. Environment Minister George Heyman says the government is proposing to replace the current Environmental Assessment Act with a new act that greatly enhances Indigenous and public participation throughout the assessment process. Heyman says the new Environmental Assessment Act seeks to deliver stronger environmental protections with increased public participation, which includes inclusion of First Nations from the start of an environmental review. "Practically, this will mean a defined purpose for the Environmental Assessment Office that includes sustainability and reconciliation." We will continue to ensure that this new environmental assessment law and regulations are supportive of First Nations jurisdictions and decision-making."

Source: CBC News November 06, 2018 18:45 UTC