What is this engagement about?
The Ministry of Infrastructure is engaging with First Nations, members of the public, and interest-holders such as local governments, business organizations, environmental groups, and the construction sector to support the implementation of the Infrastructure Projects Act (Act). The Act aims to speed up decisions on critical infrastructure projects so communities can get the services they need faster, without reducing environmental standards or compromising the province’s obligations to First Nations.
Timeline: July 2025 to March 2026
Infrastructure
How to participate
Engagement will happen in a series of steps over the summer and fall of 2025 and early spring 2026. As we develop the policies for the new Act we’ll focus on three main topics.
- Provincially Significant Projects
- Qualified Professional Reliance Model
- Expedited Environmental Assessment Process
Coming Soon – Expedited Environmental Assessment Process
This work toward a faster process is led by the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) with support from the Ministry of Infrastructure. Background information will be released on this topic to support the launch of engagement in Fall of 2025.
Proposed Qualified Professional Reliance Model
Respondents were asked to share their thoughts on the proposed Qualified Professional Reliance Model. The questionnaire closed on November 28, 2025.
Provincially Significant Projects
The questionnaire on Provincially Significant (category 2) projects and the tools enabled by the Act is for Indigenous Peoples and communities, ministry partners, external interest holders and the general public.
The questionnaire closed September 30, 2025
Next steps
Engagement will take place in phases. We value your feedback and will use it to help in the development of policy plans.
For more details, go to our engagement process page.
Commitment to Anti-Racism
The Province of B.C. is committed to taking action against racism and to working to ensure this engagement process is anti-racist and safeguards human rights. Disrespectful and racist comments will not be accepted or considered and will be removed from the engagement record. Please ensure comments are constructive and focused for this engagement.
Engagement timeline
Phase 1: Provincially Significant Projects
July 2025 to September 2025
Phase 2: Qualified Professional Reliance Model
July 2025 to November 2025
Phase 3: Expedited Environmental Assessment Process
Fall 2025 to March 2026