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

Missing Minister on Milk Carton

Last Word

"I am proud of the fact that this is one of the most livable places in the world. And I'm even prouder of the fact that each local government in each com- munity is looking for plans and tools and a map that will allow them to make their community even more livable, even more sustainable, even...
- Premier Gordon Campbell, opening remarks of Globe 2002 Environmental Trade Show, March 2002

MISSING MINISTER - Have you seen Joyce Murray?

The Honourable Joyce Murray is the MLA for New Westminster and the Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection. She was last seen in the early spring of 2002 promising to strengthen environmental protection, stumping for BC Parks, and reassuring citizens that this government would preserve our natural environment.

Water, salmon, wildlife and tourism depend on the monitorin and enforcement of regulations that protect these natural wonders for all British Columbians.

Popular Manning Provincial Park is under threat from International Forest Products who want to build a logging road through its pristine forests.

But now, when her ministry is virtually crumbling around us, she's missing. Minister Murray has been silent as dozens of scientists from her ministry, who previously safeguarded the public interest in a healthy environ- ment, have quietly been laid off. Where has she been while International Forest Products plans to build a logging road through Manning Provincial Park in order to log endangered species oldgrowth forest habitat? She hasn't said a peep about Ainsworth Lumber Co.'s plans to log the South Chilcotin Mountains Park. She has been silent about the threats to our wild salmon stocks posed by expansion of ocean-based fish farm- ing. She is nowhere to be found as public campground: are being closed and important park services are axed. Where in the world is Joyce Murray?

"The Water, Land and Air Protection (WLAP) ministry's new structure reflects its mandate to reduce environmental pollution that creates risk for human health; to maintain and restore habitat that is essential for natural biological diversity; and to properly manage our protected areas and our wildlife and fish populations so that BC's natural abundance can continue to provide outdoor recreation opportunities for all to enjoy. The ministry's over-arching responsibility is to set and enforce strong environmental standards to achieve this mandate."
Minister Joyce Murray, British Columbia Environmental Report, Spring 2002

"I recognize the incredible importance of parks to people here in BC, and the incredible importance to the international community of this asset, and the importance to tourism."
- Minister Joyce Murray, Vancouver Sun, March 2002

Contact Minister Murray today and tell her where you stand regarding government cuts to BC Parks and environmental protection. Democracy works best when you do.

Are you one of 3 million British Columbians who is highly concerned about protecting BC's water, wildlife, and wilderness?

WRITE TODAY

Let the government know what you think about:

  • restoring funding for environmental protection of water, soil, air and wildlife
  • reversing the cuts to BC Parks
  • keeping logging out of our precious park system
  • blocking legislation that would remove the public oversight of logging

    • Do you want your government to stop pandering to self-interested Liberal donors like International Forest Products and start listening to the people who need tourism and a healthy environment for health, community and economy?

    Then tell them NOW,

    Honourable Gordon Campbell
    Government of British Columbia PO Box 9041, Stn. Prov. Govt.,
    Victoria, BC V8W 9E1
    Phone: 250-387-1715; Fax 250 387-0087 Email: premier@gov.bc.ca

    Honourable Joyce Murray
    Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection Government of British Columbia
    PO Box 9360, Stn. Prov. Govt.,
    Victoria, BC V8W 9M2
    Phone: 250-387-1187; Fax: 250 387-1356 Email: joyce.murray.mla@leg.bc.ca or www.wlapmail@gems5.gov.bc.ca

    Honourable Stan Hagen
    Minister of Sustainable Resource Management, Government of British Columbia
    PO Box 9352, Stn. Prov. Govt.,
    Victoria, BC V8W 9M2
    Phone: 250- 356-9076; Fax: 250-356-8273 Email: stan.hagen.mla@leg.bc.ca

    Honourable John van Dongen
    Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries,
    Government of British Columbia
    PO Box 9058, Stn. Prov. Govt.,
    Victoria, BC V8W 9E2
    Phone: 250-387-1023; Fax: 250-387-1522
    Email: john.vandongen.mla@leg.bc.ca