In the spring of 2001 the BC Liberal Party took power after winning 58% of the popular vote and 97% of the seats in the BC Legislature. The Liberals campaigned on a platform that promised "a new era of environmental stewardship based on sound science, cleaner air, cleaner water and sustainable practices." However, instead of following through on its election promises, the government has gutted environmental protection and enforcement legislation and reduced staffing to levels that make it nearly impossible to safeguard the environment and enforce the few remaining laws. This paper takes a close look at the on-the-ground effects of the BC government's environment policies.

Help save BC Parks and Wildlife

Wilderness Committee Educational Report Vol.21- No.04, Summer 2002

Critter in a Jar

A Thousand Cuts Bleed Environmental Protection

The current Liberal government's cuts to environmental protection could not have come at a worse time for BC. The previous NDP provincial government had already severely cut environmental protections and safeguards during their ten-year reign (1991-2001). As a result of all the NDP cuts, a 1999 Environment Ministry staff survey reported very low morale and a great loss of confidence in the ministry's ability to protect our environment.

Here is a brief summary of staff views three years before the Liberal cuts. The situation is much worse today and continues to decline:

  • 88 % said they did not have enough operational funding and support needed to effectively protect the environment.
  • 90 % did not have enough support, resources and time to do proper fieldwork.
  • 91 % said that on the ground staffing levels for enforcement and monitoring of fish and wildlife are poor or very poor.
  • 90 % said logging permits are not adequately inspected, monitored or endorsed.


    • BC's Citizens clear on Protecting Environment

    Protecting the environment is one issue that the majority of citizens can agree on - British Columbians are clearly concerned about government's ability to protect the province's natural environment. It's a breach of trust for the provincial government to now back down on its stated commitment to environmental protection.

  • 90% feel strongly that nature is crucial to human survival.
  • 76% are concerned about species loss.
  • 88% have a great deal or fair amount of concern about environmental problems.
  • 81% agree that the clean up of the environment will in itself, contribute significantly to the growth of the economy. (Environics Aug. 2000)
  • A solid majority, 64%, believes that not enough is being done to protect the quality of the environment in BC.
  • 68% believe a poor job is being done of balancing the need for economic growth with the need to protect the environment. (Angus Reid Fall 2000)
  • 81% believe that protecting the environment so the ecosystem will produce clean air, clean water, and a healthy food chain is highly important.
  • 61% believe the provincial government should spend more money on environmental protection. (IMPACS April 2001)


    • Liberals Increase Liability For Environmental & Health Risks To All Citizens

    Check here to see the cuts planned for B.C.'s parks

    A recent report from the Sierra Legal Defence Fund describes how all British Columbians now face increased health and environmental risks as a result of the government eliminating monitoring staff and relaxing environmental regulations. False Economy identifies that in many cases these responsibilities are being put on private corporations who are legally required to make a profit for their shareholders above other considerations. The report also describes the hidden costs and vulnerability of the BC public to these Liberal government policy changes. As it's the government's responsibility and not that of for profit corporations to safeguard the public, the government may be found liable in cases where lack of enforcement and monitoring results in loss of human life or injury, as was the case in Ontario's Walkerton tragedy. A full copy of the report can be found at www.sierralegal.org

    Walkerton-Type Water Quality Disaster Now Much Closer In B.C.

    Under the guise of deregulation, the BC Liberal government recently passed Bill 35, shifting protection of water quality away from the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection and giving more power to the Ministry of Forests. The result is that forestry activity in drinking watersheds, along with other industrial activities, can now proceed without interference or public scrutiny.

    Coupled with other recent legislative changes that gut environmental protection and monitoring, and the government's determination to sell off public resources to the highest bidder, there is now a significantly heightened risk for degraded water quality and water-borne disease outbreaks to communities throughout the province. Victoria and Greater Vancouver have a 99-year lease to protect their drinking watersheds. No other BC municipality has such protection. All British Columbians deserve the same rights of Greater Vancouver and Victoria citizens to protect their watersheds and drinking water quality from the effects of logging and other industrial activities.

    Do you know what's in your drinking water?

    Critter in a Jar

    Do you know what's going on in your water supply area? Behind locked gates logging companies and other industrial users have free run of the watershed.