B.C. puts brakes on environmental assessment changes

Upper Jumbo ValleyThe provincial government has put the brakes – temporarily – on plans to scrap environmental assessments for proposed natural gas plants and ski resorts.

The U-turn by Environment Minister Mary Polak comes after sharp criticism against the sudden amendments made through Orders in Council earlier this week.

“I would like to acknowledge First Nations concerns about amendments to the Reviewable Projects Regulation under the Environmental Assessment Act,” said Polak in a statement. “Our government apologizes for failing to discuss the amendment with First Nations prior to its approval.”

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