B.C. government backsliding on environment
- Details
- Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00
- Written by editor
Photos: David Eby (BCNDP, CC by 2.0); Forest fire in B.C. (Chris Harris) 
Government replaces past promises with reckless extractivism
Hi Paov,
After being on hiatus since last spring, the B.C. Legislature is back in session. But are we ready for it?
Our team always follows provincial policy developments on the issues you and I care about, and this year we’re really concerned about the BC NDP backsliding on past commitments to protect ecosystems and fight climate change.
Last month, the government published its mandate letters to... cabinet which contain priorities for all ministers. When we reviewed them for the ministers of forests, parks and protected areas, climate, mining and energy development, only one word describes our reaction: yikes!
When it comes to environment and climate, the letters were riddled with major gaps, omissions and weakened commitments.
The BC NDP government seems to be using the provincial and federal rise of conservatives, and the trade threats from south of the border, as excuses to abandon their commitments to protect nature and fight climate change, while doubling down on unsustainable — and unregulated — resource extraction.
In the mandate letters and other statements since the start of this year, the provincial government has signalled plans to:
- Weaken or drop environmental reviews for a number of industrial projects.
- Increase support for resource extraction, including risky mines and fracked gas infrastructure.
- Tie its commitment to protect 30 per cent of B.C. to mining expansion, suggesting the government will aim for new protected areas where they won’t get in the way of potential mines, not where they are needed most.
- Deprioritize the protection of biodiversity and species at risk. The term ‘biodiversity’ isn’t even mentioned in any mandate letter, a stark change from last mandate.
- Speed up logging permits and the amount of forests logged. The protection of old-growth forests is remarkably absent from the letters.
This is extremely alarming. And it makes the work of watchdogs like the Wilderness Committee that much more important.
Thanks to your support, our four brilliant and dedicated campaigners have been on the ground in B.C. working on forest conservation, fighting climate change, protecting biodiversity and increasing protected areas. Our team also includes experts in research, mapping, graphic design, multimedia communications, organizing and outreach.
Together, we won’t let the B.C. government off the hook. With your support, we’re mobilizing communities, grassroots activists, and First Nations leaders to demand bold, transformative action on the climate and biodiversity crises. Together, we’ll keep the pressure on all levels of government to create the just and sustainable future we all deserve.
Your gift fuels this movement — chip in today to power the fight!
We’ll keep you informed on opportunities to take action every step of the way. Together, we can and will make a difference. We’ll win against laws and policies that don’t further concrete climate solutions or provide real protections for species and nature, and fight government directions that prioritize profits over a safe future
For old forests, clean water and thriving ecosystems,
Torrance Coste Associate Director
Wilderness Committee
P.S. Every gift, big or small, creates real impact. With $25, $50 or $100, we can host events, provide supplies, support speakers with honorariums and fund field expeditions. Our grassroots approach ensures your gift goes further to protect the areas and species that need it most. Donate here.
Join us to protect wilderness, wildlife and the planetWith your support as a monthly donor, we'll be an unstoppable force for change. Donate now to make a difference!
