Index of Articles Related to BC Bill M216
In the fall of 2025, Nanaimo-Lantzville MLA George Anderson, advanced the highly controversial Bill M216 “The Professional Reliance Act” in the BC Legislature.
The bill threatens to override municipal sovereignty in favour of private actors, yet for weeks the mainstream media, which cannot be relied on to represent the public interest, almost without exception remained silent about it.
That is not the case for independent outlets such CRD Watch and Vancouver CityHallWatch, which have both avidly followed the bill and exposed the influences pushing it.
The following is an index of articles related to Bill M216:
1. Stop Bill M216 Before Local Democracy is Dismantled on Nov 17, 2025 – CRD Watch Homepage
2. Re: An Open Letter to the Government of British Columbia – Urging Restraint on Bill M216, the Professional Reliance Act – CRD Watch Homepage
3. The Usual Suspects: Big Business including aligned groups such as The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, the UDI lobby, and YIMBY pressure group Homes For Living, are pushing Bill M216 in British Columbia, which would override municipal sovereignty and the public voice, if passed. – CRD Watch Homepage
4. Bill M216 Could Silence Local Communities — Here’s How, by Dan Horth – CRD Watch Homepage
5. BC Bill M216 passes 2nd Reading in Legislature. How did your MLA vote? – CRD Watch Homepage
6. West Coast Environmental Law Opposing Bill M216, and UBCM is deeply concerned about the Bill’s implications, calls on Local Governments to Respond. – CRD Watch Homepage
7. Public consultation now open on Bill M216-2025 “Professional Reliance Act” – CRD Watch Homepage
8. Letter to select members of the Metro Vancouver Board by MLA, George Anderson, draws on Homes For Living, and the UDI for support of Bill M216. – CRD Watch Homepage
9. Re: Bill M216, View Royal Mayor Calls Out Pattern of Legislation Reshaping Local Governance Without Consultation – CRD Watch Homepage
10. Trust, But Deregulate: The Professional Reliance Act’s Return to Faith-Based Governance, by Arthur McInnis – CRD Watch Homepage
11. CFIB, the latest lobby to push for Bill M216 – CRD Watch Homepage
12. View Royal Exploring Judicial Review regarding the legality of undemocratic housing legislation from the Province, that overrides Local Government powers. Invites other municipalities to join. – CRD Watch Homepage
13. BC MLAs that are not Ministers, are not subject to Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) requirements. – CRD Watch Homepage [The Office of the MLA that put forward Bill M216 is not subject to FOIPPA]
14. Open Letter- Subject: Urgent Opposition to Bill M-216 Regarding Climate Targets, Public Safety, and the Right to a Healthy Environment, by Linda Jeaurond – CRD Watch Homepage
15. From Leaky Condos to Leaky Policy: BC’s New Housing Bills 44 and M216 Ignore History, by M. Rose Munro – CRD Watch Homepage
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External articles and other resources:
Bill M216 (2025) Professional Reliance Act | CityHallWatch: Tools to engage in Vancouver city decisions (Legislation tracker)
Unreliable Professionals? (CC #166—Sneaking through an end to local government professionalism) by Brian Palmquist (BC Bill M216 Professional Reliance Act) | CityHallWatch: Tools to engage in Vancouver city decisions
Urgent: BC NDP convention-goers, this real geotech nightmare on a peat bog in Housing Minister Boyle’s own Vancouver riding shows why Bill M216 (Professional Reliance Act) must be withdrawn | CityHallWatch: Tools to engage in Vancouver city decisions
City of Nanaimo states concerns with local MLA’s proposed Professional Reliance Act (Ian Holmes, Nanaimo News Now, 4-Dec-2025). Excerpt: “Nanaimo City Council unanimously endorsed forwarding a report by City staff to the B.C. government outlining several concerns regarding Nanaimo-Lantzville NDP MLA George Anderson’s proposed Professional Reliance Act.” https://pub-nanaimo.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=60957…. “In the report, authored by the City’s planning and development director Jeremy Holm, he states the bill as proposed, would lead to a loss of local government oversight, as well as increased public safety risks.” – https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2025/12/04/city-of-nanaimo-states-concerns-with-local-mlas-proposed-professional-reliance-act/
Nanaimo City Council submits its concerns about bill meant to make housing more affordable
CSRD [Columbia Shuswap Regional District] slams proposed changes to Professional Reliance Act (Barb Brouwer, Revelstoke Review, 1-Dec-2025). Excerpt: “At its Nov. 20 meeting, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District board [unanimously] voted to write the province regarding concerns with Bill M 216…. Chief administrative officer John MacLean told directors there was no formal process and CSRD learned about the act after it had received first reading in the House…. “In essence, the act severely curtails a local government’s opportunity to ask for a third-party review of any technical report that we receive,” … Development services general manager Gerald Christie added the legislation would be even more impactful on the day-to-day workings of the department… CSRD deputy chair Kevin Flynn … said. “I have long said this government is moving into – I can’t call it fascism, but they are moving into taking over all of our decision-making over time, and almost eliminating us as a level of government. I find this bill disgusting.” –https://revelstokereview.com/2025/12/01/columbia-shuswap-regional-district-reluctant-to-rely-on-registered-professionals/
A report outlines the specific implications and concerns for the City of Delta and highlights Delta’s advocacy work, in opposing the Bill.
You can find this report listed as item 15.6 here: https://pub-delta.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=cffe4275-ee7c-40d1-a1ed-c8019591c99f&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English
Delta’s submission to the consultation portal was completed in early December.
DELTA REPORT CONCLUSION: “Bill M216 presents significant risks to local governments in BC. Experience has shown that certified submissions from PGA professionals sometimes contain errors or incorrect assumptions that are of concern given Delta’s unique context. Professional staff review and peer review of submissions are key tools used to identify and correct these issues before approvals are granted. By requiring automatic acceptance of certified submissions and restricting peer review in all cases, the Bill would limit Delta’s ability to manage risk and could result in more red tape, additional costs, and delays as disputes are pushed into a provincial complaint and dispute resolution processes.”
City of Delta Opposes Proposed Bill M216, Citing Significant Concerns (City of Delta, 11-Dec-2025) – After reviewing the proposed legislation, the City has concluded that Bill M216 presents significant concerns and cannot be supported in its current form. ”… it would also remove essential municipal oversight, peer review, and discretion. These changes could undermine public safety, environmental protection, and the integrity of local government development review processes… Mayor George V. Harvie has sent a letter to Premier David Eby and MLA George Anderson outlining the City’s concerns and opposition to Bill M216. The letters highlight the Bill’s potential impacts on public safety, increased financial risk and liability, and the creation of unnecessary red tape and administrative burden. –
https://www.delta.ca/community-culture/happening-delta/news/city-delta-opposes-proposed-bill-m216-citing-significant
Safety is paramount! Why it’s important to oppose BC Bill M216, Professional Reliance Act (by Bev Yaworski) | CityHallWatch: Tools to engage in Vancouver city decisions
OBWB Sounds Alarm: Private Member’s Bill Poses Threat to Watersheds,Drinking Water, and Local Governments – Okanagan Basin Water Board
Okanagan water board sounds alarm over bill that will ‘dismantle’ safeguards for BC watersheds
Okanagan water board sounds alarm over bill that will ‘dismantle’ safeguards for BC watersheds – Vancouver Island Water Watch Coalition
New B.C. law could make cities take the word of professionals – Delta Optimist
Experts address concerns about Bill M216, the Professional Reliance Act – The Jas Johal Show | Podcast on Spotify
EDITORIAL: PROFESSIONAL RELIANCE ACT COULD SPEED UP HOME BUILDING SIGNIFICANTLY | Business Examiner
Pushback rises against NDP’s stealthy housing deregulation manoeuvre | Vancouver Sun
Metro Vancouver mayors outraged over bill that would restrict professional peer reviews on development | CBC News
Coquitlam council criticizes MLA’s bill for axing construction safeguards – Tri-Cities Dispatch
Vernon, UBCM oppose bill to automatically approve permits | Vernon Matters
New government will review “professional reliance” – Focus Magazine Sept/Oct 2017 – Focus on Victoria
Rush to Misjudgment (CC #168—Private member’s Bill M216 is being rushed through the legislature—if passed as is, it will forever change planning in BC—and not for the good) by Brian Palmquist | CityHallWatch: Tools to engage in Vancouver city decisions
RDOS board unanimously opposes Bill M216 | News | pentictonherald.ca
Update on Bill M216 (Professional Reliance Act). Public consultation extended to January 2026 amid rising opposition, including Union of BC Municipalities. | CityHallWatch: Tools to engage in Vancouver city decisions
Critics say B.C. housing bill takes aim at local governance – The Globe and Mail by Kerry Gold
Excerpt:
“Ms. Marzari’s fear is that B.C.’s government will follow suit and eventually amalgamate local governments and take control of zoning, which dictates land use. She also opposed Bill 13, passed
this year, which allowed the province to override municipal bylaws and zoning to meet housing targets.”
https://pibc.bc.ca/sites/default/files/internal_pages_pdfs/news-and-events/PIBC-Letter-to-Select-Standing-Committee_FINAL-Signed.pdf
Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC) formal submission (28 pages) on Bill M216 to Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills (December 16, 2026).
Excerpt: For the reasons stated above, PIBC strongly recommends that Bill M216 be carefully reviewed and discussed in open forums with relevant stakeholders, including PIBC, to ensure it is appropriately scoped and analyzed for potential risks, implications and effects before proceeding to second reading and potential adoption. The risk of not undertaking a full due diligence review is severe harm to the public interest. –
BC Nature Stance on Bill M216 — Professional Reliance Act – BC Nature
BC Nature stands in strong opposition to Bill M216, the Professional Reliance Act (BC Nature, 28-Dec-2025). This legislation would remove municipal environmental oversight, privatize regulatory responsibility, and allow environmental assessments to be approved based on the judgment of one hired consultant, without independent or local review. Such a framework places ecosystems at immediate risk. Wetlands, salmon streams, riparian corridors, shorelines, and old-growth-connected habitats could be approved for development even when environmental concerns have not been fully assessed. Once habitat is lost, we cannot reverse it. Once pollution enters a watershed, we cannot pull it back. Bill M216 invites irreversible harm — quickly, quietly, and without accountability… BC Nature has formally activated our province-wide network of nature clubs, conservation partners, members, and supporters. We are urging British Columbians to speak out now, while decisions can still be influenced. (Includes backgrounder and letter template.)
North Cowichan raises alarm over new provincial Professional Reliance Act | Cowichan Valley Citizen
“North Cowichan council is concerned about potential conflicts-of-interest and other issues related to Bill M216, the Professional Reliance Act, if it passes in the legislature.”
https://www.biv.com/news/economy-law-politics/baffled-by-bill-m-216-squamish-council-writes-to-the-province-11681064
North Cowichan considers joining judicial review of B.C.’s housing laws | Ladysmith Chronicle
SLRD pushes back against B.C.’s Professional Reliance bill, citing concerns over safety, liability and consultation. District joins growing opposition to MLA George Anderson’s Bill M 216, says it would undermine local authority over development oversight (Luke Faulks, The Pique, 2-Jan-2026). Excerpts: The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is formally opposing Bill M 216, the Professional Reliance Act, warning the proposed provincial legislation would remove critical layers of local oversight in the development approval process, weaken public safety protections and increase legal liability for municipalities. At its Dec. 17 board meeting, SLRD directors voted to send a letter to Premier David Eby and the Legislative Assembly urging the province to withdraw the bill… SLRD directors were also sharply critical of the process behind the bill’s advancement. “One thing to add is how much time and resources are going into responding to this,” said District of Squamish director Jenna Stoner during the December board meeting. Stoner voiced similar concerns during a Dec. 16 District of Squamish meeting in which mayor and council agreed to write to the province in opposition to the bill. The SLRD’s letter closes with a request that Bill M 216 be withdrawn and replaced with a more inclusive legislative process “that meaningfully engages local governments to identify areas for improvement with respect to professional reliance and efficiencies in the development approval process.”
https://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/local-news/slrd-pushes-back-against-bcs-professional-reliance-bill-citing-concerns-over-safety-liability-and-consultation-11685430
Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC raises concerns about Bill M-216 (ASTTBC 15-Dec-2025). Raises several concerns, including Public interest and safety, Clarity of scopes of practice, Centralized dispute resolution, and Impact on professionals. –
https://asttbc.org/bill-m-216-the-professional-reliance-act-overview-and-asttbc-update/
The West Vancouver Ambleside & Dundarave Residents Assoc has asked West Van Council to join View Royal in a Judicial Review of the BC Housing Bills 44, 47,13, 15 & M216.
Update on Bill M216 (Professional Reliance Act): Opposed by most of the 485 submissions to Select Committee. Murky status, crucial meeting Feb 2. What’s next? | CityHallWatch: Tools to engage in Vancouver city decisions
The Vancouver Secret: City Hall hides staff advice on controversial “Professional Reliance Act” (Bill M216). Why? | CityHallWatch: Tools to engage in Vancouver city decisions
Vancouver’s Plan to die and what we can do to save it—#14 Restore democracy by Brian Palmquist
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Related material:
Professional reliance or regulatory outsourcing? | West Coast Environmental Law
2025-11-17 WCEL LT Anderson re Bill M216.pdf (Letter from West Coast Environmental Law to George Anderson opposing UBCM).
Law Society of BC announces legal action to challenge Legal Professions Act
Director Hurley (Burnaby Mayor) lambasted the UDI’s stranglehold over Provincial housing policy at the Oct 17, 2025 Metro Vancouver Mayors Committee Special Meeting: “You got everything you wanted”. – CRD Watch Homepage
R1 zoning, public hearings and 16 Metro Mayors calling on the Province to pause and reconsider | City of Burnaby “Last week, a meeting with the mayors of Metro Vancouver led to me sending a letter to Premier Eby on behalf of 16 mayors. We are calling on the Province to pause and reconsider its recent housing legislation.”
Mayor Hurley released a powerful video, in opposition to Bill M216
Numerous Mayors pushing back against the Undemocratic Housing Bills, including Bill 44. – CRD Watch Homepage
British Columbia Alliance of Neighbourhoods (BCAN) Calls for Urgent Action on Housing Legislation – CRD Watch Homepage
“In a letter addressed to Premier David Eby and Minister Christine Boyle, representatives from BCAN, which includes thousands of residents from various neighbourhood groups, expressed deep concern over recent provincial housing bills, including Bills 44, 46, and 47 and others. The alliance argues these measures were largely shaped by special interests, undermining democratic processes and diminishing local governance.”
CRD Watch Homepage 