British Columbia Proposes Changes To Natural Resource Appeals

British Columbia is proposing legislative and procedural changes to the appeal processes administered by the Environmental Appeal Board (“EAB”) and the Forest Appeals Commission (“FAC”). The Province has opened a public feedback period on the proposed changes until August 14, 2026.

Background

The EAB and FAC are independent quasi-judicial tribunals for parties seeking to challenge government decisions relating to environmental protection and natural resource management.

The EAB hears administrative appeals of decisions made under nine provincial statutes – including the Environmental Management Act, the Mines Act, and the Wildlife Act – relating to a range of environmental matters such as water licences, pesticide use permits, wildlife permits and waste discharge authorizations. The FAC hears appeals of decisions made under five provincial statutes – including the Forest Act, Forest and Range Practices Act, and Range Act – relating to forestry, range management, wildfire, and