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The NDP government has ordered a review of B.C.’s controversial “professional reliance” system, which uses experts hired by industry to assess the environmental risks associated with logging, mining and other projects.

Environment Minister George Heyman said in an interview that the province previously relied on its own professionals to protect the public interest. But the Liberal government shifted much of that responsibility to professionals hired by project proponents — a change that critics say creates conflicts of interest and undermines public trust.

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Heyman said that reviewing the system is a top priority for the NDP government, but he gave no indication of how long it will take or when it will be completed.

The NDP and the B.C. Green party committed to the study in their deal to overthrow the B.C. Liberal government. Premier John Horgan, in his mandate letters to ministers, directed Heyman to undertake the review “to ensure the legal rights of First Nations are respected, and the public’s expectation of a strong, transparent process is met.”