Summary

• The public is invited to share feedback on proposed changes to the natural resource appeals process
• The feedback window runs until Aug. 14, 2026
• Potential legislative and procedural changes are intended to improve appeal processes administered by the Environmental Appeal Board and Forest Appeals Commission

__________

People in British Columbia are invited to provide feedback on proposed improvements to the Province’s natural resource appeals process.

The Province has launched public engagement on potential legislative and procedural changes affecting appeals heard by the Environmental Appeal Board and the Forest Appeals Commission, two major natural resource tribunals in B.C. If approved, changes are expected to help deliver timelier decisions, strengthen compliance and enforcement, and support more efficient permitting, while maintaining environmental protections and the Province’s obligations to First Nations.

These independent tribunals hear appeals related to environmental protection, natural resource management and land-use decisions.

Making appeals processes faster, more accessible

Appeal processes to the Environmental Appeal Board and the Forest Appeals Commission were designed to provide a fair, accessible and timely process for reviewing natural resource decisions. Over time, appeal processes have become lengthier and more complex, which has contributed to delays in the permitting and enforcement system.

The Province is proposing changes to laws and processes to make sure appeals work the way they were originally intended. The focus is on improving how appeals are conducted, not on eliminating appeal opportunities. This includes:

• deciding certain appeals based on the existing record, instead of requiring a new hearing
• no longer pausing monetary penalties when an appeal is filed, and instead requiring penalty fees to be paid up front and refunded if the appeal is successful, which is intended to strengthen compliance and enforcement and deter people from violating natural resource laws

The intent is to improve efficiency and balance economic benefits with maintaining environmental standards, public accountability, and First Nations rights and interests. Environmental standards and outcomes are not changing.

Feedback received through the engagement will help inform government’s next steps as it considers options to make tribunal processes more efficient and effective, and support broader natural resource permitting improvements underway in B.C.

The public can provide feedback until Aug. 14, 2026.

Natural Resource Tribunals

Natural resource tribunals in B.C. are legal independent bodies, sometimes called a board or commission. They serve as an alternative to taking disputes directly to court. They are designed to provide a process for the public to appeal government decisions on environmental issues.

The Environmental Appeal Board resolves disputes about decisions made by government on environmental issues, such as water licences, pesticide and waste discharge permits or Wildlife Act permits and quotas. The board helps protect the environment by providing a process for the public and industry to appeal certain government decisions.

The Forest Appeals Commission was established under the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia and now operates under its replacement, the Forest and Range Practices Act.

Learn More:

• For information about the engagement process, visit: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/engagement/natural-resource-tribunals/
• Learn more about natural resource permitting improvements here: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/engagement/natural-resource-permitting-improvements/
• Learn more about regulatory changes to improve permitting processes here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026WLRS0008-000201