The British Columbia government is moving forward with controversial legislation to allow it to fast-track major projects deemed to be of provincial significance, but Premier David Eby says none will be built without First Nations’ consent – and financial benefits.

The only way forward with major projects in the province is through Indigenous partnership, he said in an interview. Federally designated projects that would cross into B.C. should expect to meet the same standard, he added. “For us, it’s about actual ownership by the Nation whose territory the projects are going on.”

Mr. Eby’s New Democratic Party government wants to pass Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act , by the end of May. The proposed legislation would grant sweeping powers to cabinet to designate priority projects that would jump the queue for regulatory review for approvals. It also aims to expedite infrastructure projects such as schools and hospitals.

The Eby government has identified clean energy and critical mineral mines as top priorities but has offered little encouragement to its Alberta neighbour for new fossil fuel projects.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is demanding that Ottawa clear a path for new oil and gas pipelines, and end a ban on oil tankers off B.C.’s north coast. But Mr. Eby told CBC Radio’s The Early Edition on Friday, that’s not in the scope of Bill 15. “We’ve been really clear we won’t use this for pipelines, for LNG projects.”

The proposed legislation was drafted in response to the economic threats posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff measures, and it mirrors efforts across the country to speed the development of economic opportunities that can reduce Canada’s dependence on trade with the U.S.

Mr. Eby will have to use every vote in the NDP’s razor-thin majority to pass Bill 15. Environmental groups and First Nations’ leaders oppose the bill, and both the Conservative and Green opposition parties say they will vote against it.

The Premier was forced to apologize in person last week to the First Nations Leadership Council after Indigenous leaders complained that the bill was introduced without consultation and that his government was “backsliding” on its legislated commitments to reconciliation.

Ontario has introduced comparable proposed legislation – and is facing similar criticism . Premier Doug Ford has said his government’s Bill 5 would speed up sluggish mining approvals for critical-mineral projects in a northern region of the province known as the Ring of Fire. First Nations’ leaders have warned the Ford government will face protests if Mr. Ford uses the legislation to push ahead with unwelcome development.

The B.C. government says it can help Canada withstand Mr. Trump’s threats with new clean energy capacity, critical mineral mines and the transmission lines that will connect them. But the key to moving quickly is to look for those projects that promote economic reconciliation. Although not explicit in the legislation, Mr. Eby said his cabinet won’t designate priority projects that do not have First Nations involved as stakeholders.

“There are too many potential court challenges. Constitutional rights are non-negotiable, they exist and we just all need to work with that,” he said. “So, when we’re trying to identify projects for getting them done faster, one of the key and core requirements is Indigenous support and participation.”

If First Nations oppose a particular project, he said his government will look to other proposals. “The good news is this is a great big province, and there’s lots of opportunity in every corner of the province.”

Michael Goehring, president and CEO of the Mining Association of B.C., said his industry is already shifting in that direction by seeking partnerships and revenue-sharing agreements with First Nations .

“In British Columbia, you need to have good rocks, and you need to have good solid partnership with the First Nations on whose land those minerals are located,” he said.

The mining industry has led the push for faster permitting processes. There are 18 proposed critical mineral mines in B.C. in advanced development, and Mr. Goehring said every one either has, or is in the process of negotiating impact benefit agreements or partnerships with First Nations. He said regulatory delays are the greatest hurdle for investors.

“We can expedite mining and critical mineral projects in B.C. in partnership with First Nations, while respecting Indigenous rights and title,” he said in an interview.

He said what governments can do to secure those investments is deliver the infrastructure for clean power – in B.C.’s case, that is the promised North Coast Transmission Line – and help First Nations with equity purchases.

Mr. Eby said the province will release details about its equity loan program for First Nations in the coming weeks, and it will be designed to dovetail with federal commitments to expand financial support to allow nations to be able to participate. “We’re hopeful to see a real explosion in Indigenous participation in a meaningful way in major projects in the province.”

The Crown-owned BC Hydro requires a minimum percentage of equity ownership held by First Nations for proponents in its latest round of clean power purchases. Eight of the last 10 successful bidders had majority ownership by a First Nation, facilitated by loans from the Canada Infrastructure Bank.