Bill M216: The Professional Reliance Act

Recently the MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville, George Anderson, introduced a private member’s bill, Bill M216, the Professional Reliance Act. This Bill proposes changes to the way local governments review development permits in British Columbia. The stated intent of the Bill is to streamline development projects and reduce administrative costs in the approval of these projects by local governments.

If enacted, Bill M216 would alter this process by requiring local governments to accept any submission certified by a professional regulated under the Professional Governance Act (PGA) rather than relying on their own current review processes.

Communications and Input

The BC Institute of Agrologists (BCIA), in collaboration with other PGA regulatory bodies, has been in dialogue with the MLA as well as the provincial government regarding this Bill. As a professional regulator under the PGA our mandate to is to protect the public. It is through this lens that we are engaging on this Bill and its possible effects on the public as well as professional practice.

We also understand that the proposed Bill would have impacts on local governments, registered professionals working within the development permit process, and the provincial government office that would be assigned new oversight responsibilities. The BCIA has shared our input with various groups through joint communication efforts of the PGA regulators. We also intend to participate in a joint submission of the PGA regulators to the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills. We anticipate further dialogue should the Bill advance.

Consultation Portal

If you wish to provide feedback to the provincial government on Bill M216 you may do so prior to January 6, 2026, through the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members' Bills consultation portal.