By Wolfgang Depner A controversial bill in British Columbia responding to American tariffs has passed with Speaker Raj Chouhan casting the deciding vote Wednesday evening. Bill 15 fast-tracks public and private infrastructure projects, and Chouhan\u2019s vote means that the bill has passed third and final reading by a 47-to-46 vote. All New Democrats voted for the legislation, while all 41 Conservatives, both B.C. Greens and the three Independents opposed it. The passage of Bill 15 comes after it has faced weeks of criticism from Indigenous groups, municipal officials, environmentalists and some business leaders, who say the legislation gives cabinet too much power when it comes to designating provincially significant projects. Critics say the bill also undermines environmental standards and constitutional obligations to consult First Nations. Premier David Eby\u2019s government says… <\/p>\n
By Wolfgang Depner A controversial bill in British Columbia responding to American tariffs has passed with Speaker Raj Chouhan casting the deciding vote Wednesday evening. Bill 15 fast-tracks public and private infrastructure projects, and Chouhan\u2019s vote means that the bill has passed third and final reading by a 47-to-46 vote. All New Democrats voted for the legislation, while all 41 Conservatives, both B.C. Greens and the three Independents opposed it. The passage of Bill 15 comes after it has faced weeks of criticism from Indigenous groups, municipal officials, environmentalists and some business leaders, who say the legislation gives cabinet too much power when it comes to designating provincially significant projects. Critics say the bill also undermines environmental standards and constitutional obligations to consult First Nations. Premier David Eby\u2019s government says... <\/p>\n