The Province is proposing legislative amendments in response to the desire of First Nations and local governments to make it easier to work together and better protect confidential and culturally sensitive information.

Currently, local governments can only close meetings for a limited set of reasons that do not include First Nation relations. The amendments to the Community Charter and Vancouver Charter would allow local governments to hold closed meetings when discussing culturally sensitive and confidential information shared by First Nations, and require meetings to be closed during negotiations with First Nations or other local governments.

Local governments can vote or pass resolutions in closed meetings, but all bylaws must be adopted in open meetings.

“Today’s changes are a practical step towards better collaboration, stronger relationships and reconciliation,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “These changes give First Nations and local governments the space to discuss culturally sensitive and confidential information related to government-to-government negotiations without fear of harm.”

The new rules would apply only to specific situations and are being enacted to balance the need for public transparency with requests from local governments and First Nations to support their ability to hold in-camera (confidential) discussions about certain Indigenous heritage sites and knowledge, or during government-to-government negotiations and discussions.

The proposed amendments are in response to direct requests for changes from the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM), the City of Vancouver and other local governments.

“Local governments have sought a legislative amendment that would allow for in-camera meetings when confidential information relating to negotiations with First Nations or another local government are under discussion,” said Cori Ramsay, president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities. “I am pleased to see this change brought into law to provide measures to safeguard confidentiality when it is needed.”

For example, if a local government is considering a land-use decision that could affect a First Nation’s traditional bathing site along a river, the First Nation may not want to share the exact location in a public meeting, to protect the site from vandalism, increased public use or unauthorized removal of culturally significant items. The new rules would allow the local government to close the meeting for this purpose.

“We support the intention of the proposed legislative amendment. It is essential to have the ability to conduct in-camera meetings when discussing sensitive matters, resulting in a more open and frank discourse, and which will provide an opportunity for various perspectives to come forward,” said Hugh Braker, First Nations Summit political executive. “Many First Nations have sensitive cultural information that is kept confidential, even within the First Nation. It is important that First Nations have the ability, when necessary, to protect their culture and traditions while engaging in sometimes sensitive discussions with local governments. This amendment addresses requests from First Nations and local governments to provide the space for respectful government-to-government dialogue.”

The proposed legislation will also require that a meeting be closed if it includes confidential information related to negotiations between local governments, or between a local government and a First Nation. There will be no changes to the requirements for local governments to make final decisions and pass bylaws in open meetings.

“As the City of Reconciliation, Vancouver welcomes these changes that strengthen government-to-government relationships,” said Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver. “They represent an important step forward in how local governments and First Nations work together, grounded in respect, trust and a shared commitment.”

The proposed changes support B.C. government’s obligations under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and follow Section 18.1 of B.C.’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Under this section, public bodies must not release information that could harm the rights of Indigenous Peoples, such as their ability to protect cultural heritage or traditional knowledge.

The B.C. government introduced the miscellaneous statutes amendment act (No. 2), 2025 to the legislative assembly on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. If passed by the legislative assembly, the changes to the Community Charter and Vancouver Charter would come into effect upon receiving royal assent.

Quotes:

Clay Brander, chair, qathet Regional District –

“The qathet Regional District is pleased the Community Charter and Vancouver Charter now recognize First Nations governments as a level of government, and as such provide equitable protection for government-to-government meetings, protocol, culture and traditions on par with other levels of government already listed within these acts. This is a strong example of how improved language clarity and inclusion can advance reconciliation efforts, build strong and lasting partnerships, and strengthen our ability to work together.”

Ross Siemens, mayor of Abbotsford –

“The City of Abbotsford supports the proposed changes to the Community Charter’s closed-meeting provisions. This legislative update will assist all communities in fostering respectful government-to-government relationships with First Nations and advancing reconciliation through confidential, trust-building dialogue.”

Richard Stewart, mayor of Coquitlam –

“Reconciliation is a key priority at the City of Coquitlam and we have actively committed to strengthening relationships with local First Nations through open and honest conversations. These proposed official changes to the Community Charter are intended to enable local governments and First Nations to meet to advance government-to-government relationships, which includes the sharing of confidential and culturally sensitive First Nations traditional knowledge.”

Armand Hurford, mayor of Squamish – 

“These proposed amendments are a critical step in fostering a stronger, more respectful and reciprocal relationship between local and First Nations governments. Creating intentional space for meaningful engagement where we can listen, learn and engage ensures that First Nations voices are not only heard but truly valued in our decision-making processes, while recognizing the government-to-government nature of our work together. These amendments would go a long way to demonstrate the Province's commitment to reconciliation and collaboration so that we can build a future together where all members of our communities thrive.”

Ron Oszust, mayor of Golden –

“These proposed changes give local governments the right tools to hold closed meetings for government-to-government discussions and negotiations with First Nations. They recognize the need to protect confidential and culturally sensitive information while maintaining transparency and accountability in our decision-making. We welcome this legislation as a meaningful step toward strengthening relationships with First Nations.”

Laura Patrick, chair, Islands Trust council –

“The proposed legislative amendments are very welcome. They will be instrumental to supporting Islands Trust’s efforts to build positive, co-operative relationships with the 30 First Nations we engage with, and to advancing our efforts to protect Indigenous heritage sites.”

Quick Facts: 

• The Union of B.C. Municipalities passed resolutions B79 (2017) and EB68 (2023) calling for these changes. 
• In March 2024, the City of Vancouver formally requested that the Vancouver Charter be amended to provide the ability to conduct government-to-government negotiations in-camera with Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation, and Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
• The amendments will be made to sections 90 (1) and 90 (2) of the Community Charter and sections 165.2 (1) and 165.2 (2) of the Vancouver Charter.
• The process for a local government to close a meeting would remain the same, as currently outlined in the Community Charter.
• The Province will provide additional guidance to help local governments make informed choices under the new rules. 

Learn More: 

For more information about B.C. legislation, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/Legislation