Ktunaxa Nation raises concerns over new B.C. legislation – 102.9 Rewind Radio

May 14, 2025

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.

Read More: https://1029rewindradio.ca/2025/05/14/new-provincial-bill-raises-alarm-in-indigenous-communities/