VICTORIA, B.C. — Statement from Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, on the fifth anniversary of the Old Growth Strategic Review:
“It has been five years since the release of the Old Growth Strategic Review, and while this should be a moment to celebrate bold action to protect old growth, instead we are marking half a decade of delay, indecision, and government inaction.”
“When the government waffles instead of acting, communities are left with division, uncertainty, confrontation and now, the risk of a more escalated and militarized police presence.”
“We’re disheartened about the situation unfolding in the Upper Walbran area. Logging irreplaceable old growth is one of many symptoms of an industry in crisis, and blockades are a result of government inaction. The Province already has the roadmap to resolve these issues in partnership with First Nations and environmental groups: implement all 14 recommendations of the Old Growth Strategic Review and follow through on commitments like conservation financing and old-growth deferrals.”
“We need solutions that protect ecosystems, create sustainable economies, and work directly with First Nations and forestry-dependent communities. The Province has a responsibility to engage government-to-government and provide real economic alternatives that respect First Nations rights, title and interests. That’s why we pressed for the creation of a Provincial Forest Advisory Council (PFAC) to drive implementation of the Review, and further forestry policies that will usher in a paradigm shift for the forest sector.”
“We will continue to advocate for the implementation of key policies, such as providing conservation financing to secure the most at-risk stands, establishing the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework, accelerating the transition toward value-added, second-growth forestry.”
“This file has not been treated as a priority so far, but we are encouraged to see Minister Ravi Parmar support the work of PFAC to recommend the paradigm shifts needed to finally move from words to action on old growth and forestry reform. We’ve been profoundly disappointed by five years of inaction, and we are hopeful that the work of PFAC will not become yet another example of pushing old growth protection and forestry reform into political limbo.”
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Media contact
Ryan Hook
Press Secretary
BC Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | ryan.hook@leg.bc.ca