Indigenous Rights & Title Commission

Advocating for First Nations communities to enforce and govern their own territories through rights and title. Join us in our fight for Indigenous sovereignty.

[Indigenous Rights & Title Commission @IRTCommission]

@alex4salmon Once again spreading #Lies & #Misinformation. There is no evidence to support removal of farms increased salmon returns. In fact, the data reflects the opposite. Let's not forget, farms or no farms, this is a #FN Rights & Title discussion. #cdnpoli #bcpoli #fnpoli

[Brian Kingzett @FeetWet_VanIsle]

Could not agree more. For north Vancouver Island I can't see any other sector that could bring as many jobs and investment in a sustainable way as quickly. Critical given our economic and trade woes.

[Kitasoo Xai’xais Aquaculture @kxaquaculture]

Posted reminder to the Government of Canada: This is our land. These are our waters. And we are the rightful decision-makers for what happens here. @MarkJCarney #rightsandtitle #UNDRIP #sustainablesalmon

[Kitasoo Xai’xais Aquaculture @kxaquaculture]

🐟 Salmon farming is key to protecting the Great Bear Rainforest’s ecosystems, supporting ocean and ecological management. First Nations are leaders in this effort, ensuring sustainability for future generations. 🌱@MarkJCarney #BC #FOPO #LPC

[Aaron Gunn @AaronGunn]

Had a great time showing Canada's next Prime Minister, Pierre Poilievre, around the Maritime Heritage Centre with Campbell River Mayor Kermit Dahl and Chief Ronnie Chickite (who was recently re-elected with an overwhelming majority for the We Wai Kai Nation).

All three want to bring back jobs, support our incredible resource sector, and fight back against the crazy drug policies of the Liberals and NDP.

I also just found out that Chief Ronnie Chickite, a successful commercial fisherman, had an uncle who donated the iconic BC Packers 45 boat to the museum - very cool! 🇨🇦

[Dr Anna Kindy @DrKindyMLA]

BC Chamber of Commerce responds to Bill 7 - Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act, 2025
March 26, 2025
Chamber NetworkInternational Relations and Trade
In response to the Government's recent introduction of Bill 7 - Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act, 2025, our President and CEO, Fiona Famulak, penned a letter to Premier Eby and Attorney General Niki Sharma, outlining the collective concerns of both the provincial association and its members regarding the Bill. The content of the letter is set out below.
Dear Premier Eby and Attorney General Sharma,
Through our representation of local chambers of commerce and boards of trade and 36,000 businesses of every size, and from every sector and region of the province, the BC Chamber of Commerce is a key voice for private-sector job creators in British Columbia and uniquely positioned to understand the needs and challenges of the province's business community.
For years, we have been advocating for the removal of unnecessary inter-provincial trade barriers in our province and across the country. These trade irritants stifle our economy, aggravate business growth and negatively impact our province's prosperity. We wholeheartedly endorse their prompt removal and appreciate the Government's plans to dismantle the barriers as part of its response to the unjustified and counterproductive tariffs imposed by the United States.
That said, our members have strong reservations about the broad reach and scope of the powers being sought by the Government through Bill 7, the Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act, 2025. While we accept there is a common threat to our economic prosperity that lies outside our national borders, we are not at war. Bill 7, as written, provides the Government with unwarranted sweeping powers with little/no guardrails and without accountability to British Columbians through the Legislative Assembly.
Our members are concerned that the sweeping powers Bill 7 will grant to the Government will negatively impact their operations, present and future. As we have stressed many times, businesses need certainty to operate, plan and invest.
One of our greatest concerns with Bill 7 is the lack of guardrails to limit the Government's ability to amend enactments. Specific examples of where the lack of guardrails is of concern include:
Section 19, which articulates the purposes for which the Government is authorized to make regulations. Sub-section (a) references the actions of a "foreign jurisdiction", however, sub­section (c) does not have a similar limiting factor. Under Section 19(c) the Government has permission to modify enactments or authorizations if the action is deemed simply to "support the economy of British Columbia and Canada". With this as the only justification, the Government could change nearly any provincial law it desires if it can make a connection to the economy.
Section 20, which provides the scope of what the Government is able to do through a cabinet order. Essentially, there are little/no limits. As an example, sub-section 20(1)(f) allows the Government to remove or impose new conditions on existing licences, permits or other authorizations. Should the Cabinet decide a change would "support the economy", as per sub­section 19(c) above, a business's operations could be thrown into flux and its current and/or future viability impacted negatively.
Section 29, which specifies the powers and regulations made under the authority of Bill 7 will expire in two years. However, once Bill 7 is passed, the Government could invoke Clause 20 of the bill to amend Clause 29 to extend regulations or legislative changes that have been made or, of greater concern, extend the time the Government holds these powers. Hypothetically, the Cabinet could indefinitely extend its powers in this Bill to by-pass the Legislature and claim it is doing so under the legal authority it has granted itself.
Our concern regarding the lack of accountability stems from the Government's ability, under Bill 7, to make nearly any change it wants to provincial laws with the stroke of a pen. This is a step in the wrong direction for democratic institutions. As a nation, we universally decry the progression towards authoritarian rule through decree by the executive branch of the United States. There is no justification for taking similar steps here in British Columbia or Canada. By not being accountable to the Legislature, government is requiring that we move forward on faith and trust alone. This is neither sufficient nor acceptable.
Furthermore, while we understand your Government’s desire to move swiftly in the face of threats from a foreign jurisdiction, it has not articulated why the current rules governing the operations of the Legislature preclude it from seeking the support of elected officials in a timely way. The Legislature can be recalled in short order and the passage of new laws can be made in a matter of days. One only needs to look at the 41st Parliament’s collaborative handling of the COVID-19 pandemic to see expedited decision making and authorizations work successfully.
In closing, we believe Bill 7, as written, goes too far and that the controversial nature of the legislation will delay timely progress on the substantive and important issue of dismantling inter-provincial trade barriers. The Bill, despite its title, risks creating uncertainty for businesses and British Columbians and undermining BC’s ability to stabilize and grow the economy, attract investment and create jobs, all of which fund the public services we rely on.
We urge the Government to find a new path.
Regards,
Fiona Famulak, President and CEO
-30-
About the BC Chamber of Commerce
The BC Chamber of Commerce is the largest and most broadly based business organization in the province. Representing 100 local chambers of commerce and boards of trade and 36,000 businesses of every size and from every sector and region of the province, the BC Chamber of Commerce is uniquely positioned to “Know What’s on BC’s Mind.”
Media Contact
Alex McMillan
BC Chamber of Commerce Communications
604-367-8697
[email protected]
BC Chamber of Commerce responds to Bill 7 - Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act, 2025 | British Columbia Chamber of Commerce

[First Nations Natural Gas Alliance @FNNGAlliance]

Come summer, #LNGCanada is expected to begin shipping out cargoes, each valued in the $150 million to $220 million range, every two days or so: https://t.co/diV4HnUikz @VancouverSun #bcpoli #cdnpoli #LNGinBC

[Brian Kingzett @FeetWet_VanIsle]

Salmon-farming stakeholders in Chile – companies, associations, government, workers, & academia – have come together to begin working on a 50-year plan to help drive sector development.

With some vision we could be doing this in Canada too!
https://t.co/FFEZXLNsNC

[Kitasoo Xai’xais Aquaculture @kxaquaculture]

We are at risk of losing a source of food security and economic opportunity—not just for First Nations, but for all of Canada. In this time of uncertainty, the salmon farms that operate along BCs coast MUST be protected rather than penalized without merit. https://t.co/W0t2SBuKkT

[Indigenous Resource Network @IRN_Indigenous]

🌲We are thrilled to release the trailer for our upcoming forestry documentary tmixʷ: A Holistic Commitment to Our Forests.

Release alerts: https://t.co/Fg8IbOi7nE
@Ntityix_R_LP

[Reconciliation Matters @Rec_Matters]

Excited and can't wait to read Bob Joseph's @ictinc_ca
latest book! ❤️❤️

21 Things You Need to Know About Indigenous Self-Government will be released on Sept. 2, 2025

Read an excerpt👇👇

https://t.co/CP8bqVPd2G

[Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation @nchkaycorp]

#HIRINGNOW: Looking for opportunities to accelerate your career in Indigenous economic development, accounting, or business? We're looking for new talent to strengthen our Head Office team.

Join us as we help build a prosperous future for the @SquamishNation. #BCJobs

[Indigenous Resource Network @IRN_Indigenous]

The IRN celebrates the Government of Canada’s recent move to expand the Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation. This expansion represents significant progress in increasing Indigenous economic participation and contributing to a stronger economy.
https://t.co/pex00c5EfQ

[First Nations Natural Gas Alliance @FNNGAlliance]

.@IRN_Indigenous: #Indigenous workers earn the highest wages in oil & gas extraction, mining, and support activities for these sectors. These numbers highlight the strong earning potential in resource industries and the importance of supporting Indigenous participation.

[Dr Anna Kindy @DrKindyMLA]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2025
BC Business Confidence Collapses Under NDP Mismanagement
KELOWNA, BC: Conservative Opposition Jobs Critic Gavin Dew is slamming the NDP government for its reckless and ongoing economic mismanagement after the latest CFIB Business Barometer revealed that small business confidence in British Columbia has plummeted to its lowest level in history – and the worst in Canada.
“Handing David Eby sweeping powers over BC’s economy won’t erase the damage he’s already done,” said Dew, referring to Bill 7, the Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act, which would let the Premier sidestep the legislature to impose laws and regulations for the next two years. “Eby expects a standing ovation for simply talking about the economy, but British Columbians aren’t buying it. They’re too busy watching their businesses buckle under crushing taxes, suffocating red tape, and runaway government spending.”
The CFIB report paints a grim picture of BC’s economy, with small business confidence dropping a staggering 22.6 points to 26.5—worse than during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2008 financial crisis, or 9/11. The report cites overwhelming tax and regulatory costs (77%), skyrocketing insurance costs (69%), and unsustainable wage pressures (65%) as the most significant barriers to growth.
“This NDP government has ballooned the public sector by 41% while the private sector struggles to survive,” added Dew. “Small businesses are being bled dry by relentless tax hikes, suffocating regulations, and skyrocketing costs — all while the Premier pretends to have things under control. Our economy was a dumpster fire long before the tariff threat. Are we supposed to give the arsonist more power to extinguish the fire?”
“British Columbians are watching their communities suffer while this government clings to empty ‘plans’ that amount to little more than lip service and photo ops,” said Dew. “This is the worst small business confidence BC has ever seen – worse than 9/11, the financial crisis, and COVID. If the Premier cared about the people keeping this economy afloat, he’d scrap his failed policies and start listening – today. Or just get it over with and step down for the good of our province.”

Media Contact:
Ryan Painter, Communications Officer
[email protected]
1-672-922-1766

[Kitasoo Xai’xais Aquaculture @kxaquaculture]

Economic Impact 💸 | Social Impact 🏚️
Ignores existing responsible plans by BC salmon farmers and First Nations | Erodes trust between government and stakeholders, stifling collaboration on sustainable and inclusive economic development.
@MarkJCarney

[Stuart Benson @LeftHandStu]

https://t.co/GxgZdTegB4

[Mark Carney @MarkJCarney]

Our new middle-class tax cut will help Canadians keep more of what they earn and build a stronger Canada in the face of President Trump’s tariffs.

We’ll help families save up to $825 a year — with middle and lower income earners benefitting the most.

[🇨🇦 Jamie Carroll 🇨🇦 @jec79]

Free advice to my Liberal friends: this should be the uber-safe front runner campaign. No risk, no glory - just win as many seats (popular vote is not a thing in a federal election) humanly possible. Day by day, seat by seat. Grind it out. Stay on your track. No distractions.

[Dr Anna Kindy @DrKindyMLA]

This is the reality on the ground in BC. Patients are waiting 8-14 hours in emergency rooms to see a doctor. An emergency doctor told me this yesterday “One half of the patients I see don’t have a GP and one half of those ended up in emergency because their disease did not get diagnosed early enough because they don’t have a GP” This NDP government dropped the ball. It takes six years to train a GP and this should have been dealt with years ago.

[Greg MacEachern @gmacofglebe]

“and it seems to be benefiting the Liberals right now. So I would hope that we could put things on pause is what I’ve told administration officials. Let’s just put things on pause so we can get through an election.”
- Canadian Premier Danielle Smith
https://t.co/6TqMDbGG4g