Image: Chilliwack North MLA Heather Maahs.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Provincial legislation

Chilliwack North MLA blasts Bill 7 as dangerous overreach of B.C. NDP-led govt.

Apr 1, 2025 | 6:45 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack North MLA Heather Maahs is calling Bill 7 the most dangerous attempt at governmental control and overreach in British Columbia’s history.

According to a statement, Maahs, who was elected in October 2024 with nearly 55 per cent of the vote in her riding, says if Bill 7 is enacted, the repercussions of this bill and the effect it will have on every resident of British Columbian will be the end of freedoms.

“David Eby is unapologetic and insists he needs these broad sweeping changes so he can respond swiftly to the US tariffs, all the while knowing that the negotiation of international trades and tariffs is not even in his jurisdiction, as this is handled at the federal level,” Maahs said.

Bill 7 would grant Eby’s cabinet powers to respond to challenges from the actions of a foreign jurisdiction, or for a purpose “supporting the economy of British Columbia and Canada” without requiring debate in the legislature, something Eby says is required to respond swiftly to threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.

The bill is likely to be debated for the first time when MLAs gather this week in Victoria and could be the first major test for Eby’s government, which holds a majority of only one seat.

B.C. police investigate after rock thrown through Tesla windshield strikes passenger

2h ago

Tulip festival returns

Canada's largest tulip festival farm experience to open soon in Agassiz

3h ago

B.C. bumps up rental subsidy programs for seniors, low-income families

3h ago

Maahs says there is nothing that prevents Premier David Eby and the B.C. NDP from bringing important issues forward in the legislature – to be discussed and debated by the representatives of the people with accountability and transparency.

“What has prevented the NDP from eliminating trade restrictions, red tape and other barriers between the provinces right across our country?” Maahs asked. W”hat has prevented the NDP from advocating for enhanced cooperation among local and national businesses in Canada? The answer, nothing has prevented these things to be addressed, except willpower, diplomacy and vision.”

Maahs suggests that after significant pushback and opposition, the NDP decided that section 4 of Bill 7 needed to be “retooled”. However, even with the modifications, Maahs believes the bill is dangerous with or without “retooling.”

“Retooling certain aspects does not stop the extreme and excessive overreach of this bill,” Maahs said. “Bill 7 in its entirety needs to be stopped. Bill 7 has been likened to the War Measures Act, not seen since World War II and it should not be used in any way, shape or form at this time. We are NOT at war! Freedom is the greatest gift of any nation. Democracy and free speech must be upheld!”