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Bill M216 Could Silence Local Communities — Here’s How


Dan Horth Nov 17, 2025

It seems our provincial government is busy behind closed doors with the recent creation and possible implementation of Bill M216.

What is Bill M216?

Bill M216, also called the Professional Reliance Act, was recently introduced by MLA, George Anderson, from Nanaimo-Lantzville and had its First Reading on October 21 2025.

It is thought that the second reading and debate will occur today, November 17, 2025.

So, please act on this!

What does Bill M216 do and what is its purpose?

The Bill aims to streamline development-project approvals by local governments by leveraging certifications from provincially regulated professionals, thereby reducing duplicative reviews and administrative costs. 

This new Bill is building on and ESCALATING our earlier and existing provincial legislation such as Bill 44 – Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, Bill 46 – Housing Statutes (Development Financing) Amendment Act, and Bill 47 – Housing Statutes (Transit‑Oriented Areas) Amendment Act.

As if these bills previous bills weren’t enough!

So, what does this mean for communities like mine in Cordova Bay?

We currently face a massive development proposal from Aragon Properties that would increase our population by 25% in this ONE project, and create a density more than double that of any Canadian city—right in the middle of a rural and semi-rural area.

Worse, this project sits on one of the highest seismic-risk sites in the CRD, where liquefaction and stability issues are well documented. If Bill M216 passes, a development of this scale could move forward with fewer checks and less scrutiny—while our community’s concerns are further sidelined.

You think the odds are stacked against us now? This is not accountability. This is a direct threat to public safety and local democracy.

Why Bill M216 is Dangerous for us in Cordova Bay.

Bill M216 would further take power away from our community and Saanich when reviewing the Aragon Trio Lands redevelopment. Here’s what matters most:

• Developers’ own hired professionals can “certify” their plans — and Saanich would have to accept them unless something is obviously missing.
  
  
• Independent peer reviews could be blocked, meaning fewer chances to question seismic, liquefaction, and contamination risks on this unsafe site.
  
  
• Approvals may move faster with less public input, making it harder for residents to raise technical concerns or slow down the process.
  
  
• The municipality gets legal protection, while the responsibility shifts to private professionals — leaving us with fewer ways to hold decision-makers accountable if something goes wrong.
  
  

So, if this Bill is so apparently devastating, then why haven’t we heard about it?

This is because it is sponsored by a back‑bench MLA, George Anderson, who is not a cabinet minister, so it doesn’t receive the full promotional or media push that major government bills get. Back bench member bills often receive less media attention until they become more controversial or reach debate/committee stages.

Bottom line:

This bill gives developers EVEN MORE control and weakens our community’s ability to push back – especially on major dangers like seismic risks and toxic fill as well as issues around traffic and road safety which many professionals may not be qualified to assess. 

This is hardly democratic!

And this isn’t just about Cordova Bay. This bill affects every British Columbian, because it further erodes basic local decision-making and public oversight. This is simply not right.

What can you do now?

Please contact the following officials to voice your concerns and request Bill M216 be withdrawn.

Contact the Premier

Contact George Anderson – MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville

Contact your MLA

Contact your local Mayor and Council

Contact our B.C. Ombudsman Jay Chalke

Thank you!

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See also:

Index of Articles Related to BC Bill M216 – CRD Watch Homepage