Land Act Amendments Coming Soon

The provincial government is considering new amendments to the Land Act in order to bring it into conformity with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (the “Declaration Act”). The proposed amendments have the potential to bring about a major change in the exercise of statutory power under the Land Act, by allowing the Province to enter “consent-based” or “joint decision-making” agreements with Indigenous governing bodies under section 7 of the Declaration Act respecting sales, leases, grants of rights of way and other dispositions of Crown land. The Province is currently receiving feedback and engagement from the public in relation to the proposed changes.

While the provincial government is apparently planning to introduce a bill during the Spring Legislative session, there are no draft amendments at this point. The Union of BC Municipalities is hosting an engagement session for local governments on February 21, 2024. If you are interested in learning more, or have questions or comments, you can sign up here.

Nick Falzon & Nate Ruston

Download pdf: Land Act Amendments Coming Soon