The proposed Bill 4 will result in significant harm to BC Parks

Bill 4: Park Amendment Act has already gone through its second reading and will be debated in BC Legislature soon so it’s a good idea to get your comments and letters in sooner rather than later.   The passing of Bill 4 would allow industry to carry out “research” in BC parks related to industrial activities such as pipelines, transmission lines and roads.  Smaller parks would also have less legal protection under Bill 4 and the proposed amendment regarding film production does not ensure adequate safeguards for all park values.

The FMCBC submitted a letter today opposing Bill 4.  We would encourage all FMCBC members and members of the public to submit their own letter to the Premier, to their local M.L.A. and to the Minister of Environment.   You can look up your local M.L.A.’s contact info here.

Some further information to help you learn about Bill 4:

A joint letter from West Coast Environmental Law, CPAWS-BC, SierraClub BC, Forest Solutions, and the Wilderness Committee was sent to the Premier and Minister of Environment regarding Bill 4 and concerns about industrial research in BC Parks and Protected Areas. – West Coast Environmental Law

Opposing Bill 4 – Public Trust Needed for Parks Act – Andrew Weaver, M.L.A. for Oak bay-Gordon Head

Changes to Park Act condemned by environmentalists for threats to protected areas – CPAWS BC

Park Amendment bill paves way for industrial exploration? – West Coast Environmental Law

Thousands sign petition against B.C. Park Act Amendments – Georgia Straight, Feb 21, 2014

Peter Wood:  Is B.C.’s Park Act in peril?  Georgia Straight, Feb 19, 2014

Draft Policy for Issuing Park Use Permits for Research Purposes – BC Parks

B.C. Liberals plan to invite more industrial activity in provincial parks – Spencer Chandra Hebert, March 7, 2014

Comment:  Forest, parks bills should be open to debate – Times Colonist, March 14, 2014

B.C. Park Act change sparks suspicion – Vancouver Courier, March 18, 2014

Industrial research a possibility in upgraded park act – The Williams Lake Tribune – March 19, 2014