Tag Archives: Gov of BC

Transportation

BC Ferries Is Still Facing Labour Unrest. Here’s the Latest

By Isaac Phan Nay, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The union that represents BC Ferries workers is headed into difficult contract talks this summer — but hopes to avoid any job action that could impact ferry operations.

An arbitration panel’s decision on wages earlier this spring will set the tone for the negotiations, said union leader Eric McNeely.

As part of the existing collective agreement, the panel decided May 30 that BC Ferries workers will earn a 1.65 per cent raise.

McNeely said he’s disappointed with the decision to put the workers’ raise behind inflation.

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Energy, Indigenous Nations

‘A long, hot summer’: B.C.’s approval of PRGT pipeline sets stage for conflict, First Nations leader says

Matt Simmons – The Narwhal, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The British Columbia government gave a green light to an 800-kilometre natural gas pipeline on Thursday, paving the way for construction to start this summer — and setting the stage for what one First Nations leader warns could be a “long, hot summer” of conflict. 

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Indigenous Nations

With land transfer deal, once-displaced Lyackson First Nation prepares to return home

By  Julie Chadwick, IndigiNews, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After fighting to reestablish its main village site for more than four generations, the Lyackson First Nation is mapping out a new and hopeful future.

The “Vancouver Island” community of roughly 230 people has regained ownership of a 312-hectare land parcel alongside Cowichan Tribes — building on decades of advocacy and work to regain what was lost during colonization.

“This village site will forever change the trajectory of the Leey’qsun Mustimuhw for our community today and future generations,” said Lyackson Chief Laxele’wuts’aat Chief Shana Thomas on May 22.

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Environment, Indigenous Nations

BC’s development agenda tramples rights, First Nation leaders warn

By Sonal Gupta, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Indigenous leaders across BC are sounding the alarm over two new provincial bills they say threaten to undermine their people’s rights and weaken environmental safeguards.

The legislation introduced by Premier David Eby’s government aims to fast-track major infrastructure developments and clean energy projects. But First Nations leaders argue the bills were developed without the proper consultation required under BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).

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Energy

The B.C. agency overseeing oil and gas is about to get more powerful. Here’s why you should care

By Matt Simmons, The Narwhal, Local Journalism Initiative reporters

One of British Columbia’s government agencies is poised to get a lot more power.

Premier David Eby’s NDP government has just introduced legislation to give new responsibilities to the BC Energy Regulator (BCER), which oversees the province’s growing oil and gas sector and other energy projects.

The changes will put the regulator — largely funded by the oil and gas industry — in charge of fast-tracking renewable energy projects like wind and solar, along with the $3-billion North Coast transmission line that will power liquefied natural gas (LNG), mining and other industrial projects.

Continue reading The B.C. agency overseeing oil and gas is about to get more powerful. Here’s why you should care →