The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) is convening a 4-hour virtual Dialogue Session with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and the Major Projects Office (MPO) to support informed discussion between First Nations in BC and the federal government on recent and emerging changes to the federal impact assessment process.

This session is being held in the context of the Building Canada Act, which received Royal Assent on June 6, 2025. The Act introduces a Two-Year Timeline for projects designated as being in the “National Interest” and advances the federal goal of “one project, one review.” These changes have the potential to significantly affect First Nations inherent and constitutionally protected title, rights, and Treaty rights, as well as environmental protection and oversight mechanisms.

Through this dialogue session, BCAFN aims to facilitate a transparent and technical discussion focused on:

• The federal government’s strategy for implementing the Two-Year Timeline for National Interest projects within the Impact Assessment Process
• The Preliminary Impact Assessment Model being developed by IAAC
• The proposed approach to Co-operation Agreements between Canada and provinces, including British Columbia
• The implications of these changes for First Nations rights, priorities, and decision-making

The session will also respond directly to BCAFN Resolution 36/2025, which directs advocacy for strong environmental and enforcement mechanisms to protect ecosystems, watersheds, climatic systems, and First Nations ways of life.

Find the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) website here.

Find the Major Projects Office (MPO) website here.

QUESTIONS?
Email Patricia Rojas, patricia.rojas@bcafn.ca or Aaron Wood-Lyons aaron.wood-lyons@bcafn.ca