Legislation

The Infrastructure Projects Act will deliver key infrastructure faster and strengthen B.C.’s economy through uncertain times. The new legislation aims to speed up permitting and approvals for schools, hospitals, and other core infrastructure people need in their communities.

The Renewable Energy Projects Act will ensure rapid permitting and robust regulation of renewable energy projects to meet the growing demand for clean power and address climate change. It will expand the authority of the B.C. Energy Regulator to oversee renewable energy projects, like wind and solar projects.

The bill makes amendments to the Wildfire Act; Professional Governance Act; Wildlife Act; Housing Supply Act; Local Government Act and An Act to Incorporate the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District; Local Government Act – Service Establishment Bylaw exemptions; and Local Government Act – Elections amendments; Local Government Act and Vancouver Charter (clauses 45, 46, 65 and 66); Vancouver Charter – City of Vancouver Regulatory Authorities

Updates to B.C.’s Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) and Motorcycle Licensing Process (MLP) will help new drivers and riders gain skills and experience in a safer, more structured way. The changes include eliminating the GLP exit test, reducing barriers and simplifying the path to a full driver’s licence. For motorcyclists, new requirements include zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs during the learning stages, protective gear, more time to learn, and demonstrating basic skills before riding on the road.

This legislation will amend the Employment Standards Act to clarify that for short-term illness or injury, employers can’t request a sick note written by a physician, nurse practitioner or registered nurse. This change lets health-care professionals focus on patient care, rather than filling out sick notes for minor illnesses.

The bill contains amendments to the Judicial Compensation Act, Land Title Act, Libel and Slander Act, Members Remuneration and Pensions Act, Police Act, Small Claims Act, and Wills, Estates and Succession Act.

Amendments to the Health Care Costs Recovery Act allow government to recover the costs of health care services provided to Medical Services Plan beneficiaries who have been injured or have died due to a negligent or wrongful act or omission of a wrongdoer.

Through the elimination of the tax, effective April 1, 2025, people in British Columbia will no longer be required to pay the consumer carbon tax on fuel and on their home heating bill.

The Province remains committed to driving down emissions and will ensure big polluters continue to pay through the B.C. output-based carbon pricing system.

The Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act will strengthen B.C.’s ability to respond quickly to threats of tariffs imposed on Canada by the United States, to grow a more self-reliant economy and to defend workers and businesses.

New changes to consumer protection legislation will modernize B.C.’s Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act (BPCPA) to ensure stronger protections for consumers and a fairer marketplace.

Proposed amendments to the Protected Areas of BC Act will add approximately 143 hectares to three existing BC Parks: Naikoon (Haida Gwaii), Wells Gray (Clearwater) and Cinnemousun Narrows (Okanagan). Two additional parks will be renamed to traditional Indigenous names to recognize the significant cultural values and support ongoing reconciliation.