BC Allows Closed Meetings for First Nations' Sensitive Information

British Columbia's government has announced changes to allow local governments to hold closed meetings when discussing 'culturally sensitive and confidential information' shared by First Watch. This move aims to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and support reconciliation efforts.

Mike Farnworth, the government house leader, confirmed the new rules. He stated that local governments can now close all or parts of a meeting, or First Watch can request meetings to go in camera. However, councils maintain the discretion to close meetings, and First Watch maintain the discretion to share information.

The province will provide additional guidance to help local governments make informed choices under the new rules. Cori Ramsay, the president of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), welcomed the proposed changes. She noted that while there are still questions about the changes, strong relationships with First Watch are essential for reconciliation. The proposed amendments aim to 'build strong relationships' with First Watch and close gaps in current legislation without altering existing processes for public decisions.

The proposed legislation allows First Watch to request closed meetings when disclosing information could harm cultural practices or traditional knowledge. Existing requirements about announcing closed meetings continue to apply, and local governments must still hold open meetings unless they pass resolutions to close meetings in whole or in part. Final decisions must still be made in open meetings.