Indigenous Relations Minister Spencer Chandra Herbert was on the hot seat on Monday as the Union of B.C. Municipalities’ annual conference began in Victoria with mayors and councillors hoping to hear whether the province plans to further consult municipalities on Heritage Act amendments expected in the coming months.

The changes are expected to increase the burden on local governments to consult with First Nations when it comes to permitting for development of both private and public land, but UBCM president Trish Mandewo says her members have only been provided a three-hour webinar.

“We know that the province has taken two years to co-develop the legislation with First Nations, which is great. The province has offered local governments a three-hour webinar to discuss its intentions,” sh

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