Nanaimo-Lantzville MLA George Anderson's Professional Reliance Act private member's bill aimed at accelerating development projects is generating widespread opinions, including concerns from the City of Nanaimo. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

controversial legislation

City of Nanaimo states concerns with local MLA’s proposed Professional Reliance Act

Dec 4, 2025 | 5:28 AM

NANAIMO — A private member’s bill authored by a former Nanaimo City councillor is at odds with the local municipal government.

Nanaimo City Council unanimously endorsed forwarding a report by City staff to the B.C. government outlining several concerns regarding Nanaimo-Lantzville NDP MLA George Anderson’s proposed Professional Reliance Act.

Crafted by Anderson to streamline and expediate development projects and reduce administrative costs, local governments would be required to accept findings from several certified professionals under the Professional Governance Act (PGA).

In the report, authored by the City’s planning and development director Jeremy Holm, he states the bill as proposed, would lead to a loss of local government oversight, as well as increased public safety risks.

Anderson previously told NanaimoNewsNOW the primary push behind the bill is removing the repetitive, time-consuming rechecking of work already completed by qualified professionals.

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While business organizations are among those who endorsed his proposed legislation, significant resistance has materialized in recent weeks, including the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and planning professionals, among others.

The UBCM outlined its opposition to what it called a one-size-fits-all approach: “that ignore community size, geography and local circumstance.”

The Professional Reliance Act passed second reading in the B.C. legislature and is currently under review by a private members bill select standing committee.

Aggressive housing supply policies have been adopted by the B.C. government in recent years, including deregulation.

Most notably, Bill 44 unilaterally changed zoning rules to increase housing density, while also banning public hearings involving residential projects consistent with a municipalities’ Official Community Plan.

Numerous B.C. municipalities, including the City of Nanaimo, fall under a housing target building program known as the Housing Supply Act.

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