Introduction of Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2025

The Government introduced the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2025, to the legislative assembly on October 9, 2025, aimed at enhancing collaboration between local governments and First Nations. The proposed amendments will allow local governments to hold closed meetings to discuss culturally sensitive information shared by First Nations, addressing current limitations in regulations. Furthermore, the amendments to the School Act will require ministerial approval before any B. C.

school board can exercise expropriation powers, a tool used only sparingly in recent years. The Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique will also gain the same expropriation authority as other school boards, promoting equity in governance. These changes respond to ongoing requests from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and First Nations, signaling a step forward in government-to-government relationships and reconciliation efforts. Local governments will receive additional guidance to implement the new rules effectively. The amendments are expected to strike a balance between transparency and the need for respectful collaboration.

If passed, the legislation will significantly reshape interactions between local authorities and Indigenous communities.