B.C. energy act weakens scrutiny: NDP

The NDP says the Liberal government's Clean Energy Act actually weakens public oversight of major project like the Site C dam in northeastern B.C., so they will continue to fight the bill.

The act would also remove consumer protection from unnecessary B.C. Hydro rate hikes without scrutiny from the B.C. Utilities Commission, said NDP energy critic John Horgan.

Politicians would be making decisions around the cabinet table instead.

The Clean Energy Act was introduced last month and is currently being debated in the legislature.

Forty-seven B.C. First Nations and three aboriginal organizations are calling on the provincial government to delay passage of the act.

The government has said it is prepared to meet with aboriginal groups but won't delay the act, Energy Minister Blair Lekstrom said.