PIBC has submitted formal input on Bill M216 – Professional Reliance Act to the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bill.

PIBC principally recommends:

THAT THE SELECT STANDING COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE BILLS AND PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BILLS MOVE TO NOT PROCEED WITH BILL M216.

Separately, PIBC recommends that the Province, through the Ministry of Housing & Municipal Affairs collaborate with communities and key stakeholders, including PIBC, to accelerate implementation of integrated and effective development approvals process improvements for housing and to share best practices through expanded peer learning.

In reviewing Bill M216, PIBC found five fundamental deficiencies:

1. The bill is disconnected from existing provincial housing initiatives, including the Development Approvals Process Review (DAPR), Local Government Development Approvals Program (LGDAP), Building Permit Hub, and recently enacted legislation on proactive planning for housing.
2. The bill’s scope is overly broad and will impact all forms and stages of land development in all communities and regions.
3. The bill’s prohibition on local government peer review of development-related technical submissions will likely lead to adverse outcomes on the public interest: safety, health, and welfare of the public and environment.
4. The bill’s dispute resolution process is critically flawed will likely increase the cost and time for new housing and land development.
5. The bill displaces Registered Professional Planners who play critical roles in the review of professional technical submissions to protect the public interest.

Additional Information & Resources
•    Text of Bill M216 – Professional Reliance Act
•    PIBC letter and initial feedback to BC Premier Eby (November 14, 2025)
•    UBCM submission (November 28, 2025)

PIBC will continue to monitor and engage in the process with respect to the consideration of Bill M216 and will provide updates to members accordingly. 

For members who may wish to submit their own comments and feedback regarding Bill M216 directly to the Standing Committee, submit your feedback here by 3:00 PM PT, January 6, 2026.

For PIBC inquiries related to this matter, please contact Raymond Kan RPP, MCIP (PIBC’s Director of Policy and Research).