B.C. is proposing new rules that would make it easier to meet and negotiate confidentially with First Nations, saying it is putting in changes long-sought by municipalities.
The proposed amendments to existing legislation were put forward by B.C.’s New Democratic Party government in the provincial legislature Oct. 9 and will take effect if and when the bill passes and gets royal assent.
“Local governments have sought a legislative amendment that would allow for in-camera meetings when confidential information relating to negotiations with First Nations or another local government are under discussion,” Cori Ramsay, president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities, said in an Oct. 9 press release from the B.C. government….