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B.C. tables legislation to allow municipalities to hold closed meetings with First Nations
The legislation aims to protect Indigenous cultural practices by allowing confidential discussions while maintaining public decision-making, addressing concerns raised by local governments and First Nations.
- On Oct. 10, 2025, British Columbia introduced amendments allowing local governments to hold closed meetings for culturally sensitive information shared by First Nations.
- Local governments and First Nations asked for the change to grant nations comparable confidentiality, and Cori Ramsay said, `This is really about building strong relationships with our First Nations partners.`
- The ministry said the bill adopts language from the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, with councils deciding closures and First Nations controlling information sharing.
- Councils must still announce and hold open meetings unless they pass resolutions to close, and Ramsay said local governments must make final decisions and pass bylaws in open meetings.
- Advocates say the change aims to protect traditional knowledge as the ministry said First Nations can request closed meetings to prevent harm to cultural practices, while Cori Ramsay noted many questions remain but stressed strong relationships are key to reconciliation.
17 Articles
17 Articles
castanet.net
B.C. has tabled a new law that opens the door on closed meeting with First Nations
The president of the group representing local governments in British Columbia welcomes proposed changes that would make it easier for First Nations and municipalities to meet behind closed doors.
Prince George Citizen
B.C. tables new law on closed meetings between First Nations and municipalities
VICTORIA — The president of the group representing local governments in British Columbia says she welcomes proposed changes that would make it easier for First Nations and municipalities to meet behind closed doors.
BC Government Proposes New Rules It Says Will Provide More Privacy in Negotiations With First Nations
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…
B.C. tables legislation to allow municipalities to hold closed meetings with First Nations
The president of the group representing local governments in British Columbia welcomes proposed changes that would make it easier for First Nations and municipalities to meet behind closed doors.
B.C. has tabled a new law that opens the door on closed meeting with First Nations – Energeticcity.ca
VICTORIA — The president of the group representing local governments in British Columbia welcomes proposed changes that would make it easier for First Nations and municipalities to meet behind closed doors. Cori Ramsay, president of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, says their group and First Nations requested the changes, saying they give nations “the same level of confidentiality” that other levels of governments receive. Governmen…
B.C. has tabled a new law that opens the door on closed meeting with FirstNations - The Turtle Island News
By Wolfgang Depner The president of the group representing local governments in British Columbia welcomes proposed changes that would make it easier for First Nations and municipalities to meet behind closed doors. Cori Ramsay, president of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, says their group and First Nations requested the changes, saying they give nations “the same level of confidentiality” that other levels of governments receive. G…
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