Risks of Bill 005 to…

Risks of Bill 005 to Archaeological Findings

- Weaker Checks:
The bill lowers oversight. By streamlining approvals, it reduces the time and scrutiny typically used to detect archaeological value early on. That means projects could break ground before anyone realizes what's being lost.

- Permits Replaced by Agreements:
Instead of firm permits, the bill pushes flexible agreements. These aren't as binding and may skip over heritage assessments. That weakens the legal tools used to protect buried history.

- Blanket Development Zones:
The bill encourages large-scale development through pre-approved zones. These areas, especially in less-surveyed regions, likely hold undiscovered sites. Once construction starts, it’s often too late.

- Cultural Blind Spot:
There’s no mention of archaeology, heritage, or cultural protection in the bill’s language. That signals a lack of priority. Without explicit safeguards, those concerns get sidelined.

- Indigenous Site Risk:
Fast-tracking projects without proper consultation threatens Indigenous lands. The risk isn’t just physical—it's relational. Overriding these concerns can damage trust and violate treaty obligations.