Lobbying Activity Report

5439-42782

Organization: Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce
Did any other entity with a direct interest in the outcome of this lobbying activity work together for the purpose of performing this lobbying activity? No
Associated registration: 10072-5439-5
Lobbying Activity date: 2025-05-20
Arranged a meeting: No
Posted date: 2025-05-28

In-house lobbyists who participated in the lobbying activity: Michael Magnusson
Senior Public Office Holders who were lobbied in this activity: Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central
Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities, Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly

Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance
Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly

Christine Boyle, MLA for Vancouver-Little Mountain
Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly

Tamara Davidson, Minister
Environment and Parks Footnote1

Tamara Davidson, Minister
Environment and Parks Footnote1

Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver-Renfrew
Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly

Hon. David Eby, Premier
Office of the Premier Footnote1

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit
Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly

Ravi Kahlon, Minister
Housing, Housing and Municipal Affairs

Bowinn Ma, Minister
Infrastructure

Randene Neill, Minister
Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
 
Subject Matter of the Lobbying Activity
Specific Topics of Lobbying Communications Intended Outcomes Associated Subject Matters
The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is taking this opportunity to express our position on Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act (2025). While we recognize and support the government’s goal of accelerating the approval and development of large-scale projects to increase economic output given the ongoing tariffs with the U.S. Administration, we are unable to support the legislation in its current form.
Our concerns lie primarily in three areas:
1. Vague Language and Broad Discretion
The current draft of Bill 15 contains unclear definitions and open-ended powers, particularly in the criteria used to designate a project as “provincially significant.” This lack of clarity may lead to inconsistent application and erodes public trust in land-use decision-making processes. More detail and accountability are needed to ensure the act is used for its intended purpose and not as a blanket override tool.
2. Erosion of Indigenous and Local Government Authority
The Chamber is particularly concerned about provisions that would allow the provincial government to circumvent the rights of Indigenous communities and the authority of local governments in land-use planning. Reconciliation and strong local governance are cornerstones of sustainable and inclusive economic development. This bill, as currently written, undermines both.
 
3. Need for Parallel Red Tape Reduction
While we agree that infrastructure projects must move forward more efficiently, we urge the province to tackle the root causes of permitting delays by reviewing and removing unnecessary red tape and administrative bottlenecks. Streamlining existing processes—not bypassing consultation and oversight—is a more balanced and sustainable approach.
Considering these concerns, we recommend that Bill 15 be revised to include:
• Clear definitions and constraints on when and how the Act may be invoked.
• Strong protections for Indigenous rights and meaningful consultation requirements.
• A collaborative framework that respects local land-use authority.
• Parallel commitments to reduce regulatory and permitting inefficiencies.
The business community in Penticton is aligned with the provincial vision of building stronger, more connected communities. However, this vision must be pursued in a way that maintains the integrity of democratic institutions, respects Indigenous sovereignty, and builds confidence through transparency and accountability. Footnote1
  • Introduction, amendment, passage or defeat of any Bill or resolution in or before the Legislative Assembly
 Economic Development and Trade, Energy, Environment, Finances and Budgets, Forestry, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Industry, Infrastructure, Internal Trade, International Trade, Land Claims, Mining, Municipal Affairs, Small Business, Tourism Footnote1
 
Senior officer who filed this Lobbying Activity Report: Michael Magnusson
 
The above name is that of the most senior paid officer who is responsible for filing a Lobbying Activity Report for the organization (the Designated Filer), whether that person participated in this lobbying activity or not.
 
  1. Footnote1  Indicates new information that was added through a Lobbying Activity Report.
Date Modified: