The BC Government has unveiled new rules for dispute resolution to help settle conflicts between the Province and First Nations about environmental assessments.

The government calls it a significant milestone in the ongoing commitment to reconciliation and environmental stewardship.

The Environmental Assessment Office’s dispute resolution regulation offers what they are calling  predictable and clear avenues for First Nations to dispute decisions related to large projects that require an environmental assessment certificate.

It provides an alternative to the courts to resolve conflict and support decisions and can help avoid lengthy court battles.

Access to dispute resolution is affirmed in Article 40 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The goal of the plan was to design a dispute-resolution process that is both collaborative and principled, supports First Nation rights and ensures alignment with the UN Declaration.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.