BC Liberal Party Summary

The BC Liberal Party candidates did not reply individually to our candidates' survey. Instead they choose to return a "party answer" for each question. Therefore it was neccessary for WCWC staff to translate each answer into the requested yes/no format. We have included their "party answer" for each question in the comments area.

1. Working Forest Legislation.

Do you support increasing timber companiesâ land tenure, compensation rights over 43 million hectares of publicly owned land as proposed in the ãworking forestä legislation?

Yes*

Comments: The BC Liberals have committed to introducing a working forest to provide greater stability for working families and to enhance long-term forestry management and planning.

2. Watershed Protection

Do you support full protection of community watersheds. Including the banning of pesticides, herbicides, logging and other industrial disturbances?

No*

Comments: The BC Liberals are committed to results-based environmental protection for our forested lands. A BC Liberal Government will pass real comprehensive groundwater legislation and pass a Living Rivers Act to protect and improve BC's river system with scientifically-based standards for watershed management, enhancements to fish-habitat, and a 10-year program to correct past damage.

3. Grizzly Bear Moratorium.

Given the fact that 78% of British Columbians support a suspension on trophy hunting of grizzly bears, do you support a continued moratorium on the grizzly bear hunt?

No *

Comments: The BC Liberals will replace the NDP's blanket moratorium on grizzly bear hunting with a proper peer review by scientists and biologists, and local moratriums where grizzly bear populations are endangered.

4. Sustainable Allowable Cut

According to Ministry of Forests own estimations, the Annual Allowable Cut of timber in British Columbia is 25-30% above sustainable levels. Would you support implementing a sustainable allowable cut?

No *

Comments: The Annual Allowable Cut (AAC) that is considered sustainable is determined by the Chief Forester of British Columbia.

5. Endangered Species Act

The province of British Columbia has no endangered species act, although recent surveys show that over 90% of British Columbians want strong endangered species legislation. Furthermore, 86% of British Columbians agree that ãBritish Columbiaâs wildlife is a unique treasure for future generations. BC should have the strongest and most comprehensive law in Canada to protect endangered speciesä. Are you committed to supporting the introduction of strong endangered species legislation in British Columbia?

No *

Comments: The BC Government has a duty to ensure that all wildlife populations are properly protected and a BC Liberal Government will ensure that responsibility is met.

6. Protecting Public Resources Through Increasing MOF Personnel

In light of recent revelations that forestry companies such as Interfor are using questionable means to avoid paying hundreds of millions of dollars in stumpage fees to the provincial government and in recognition of the fact that a majority of Ministry of Forestry workers believe monitoring and inspection of major licensees is inadequate, would you support increasing Ministry of Forestry personnel to ensure protection of public forests and compliance with existing forestry legislation?

Yes *

Comments: The BC Liberals believe that the government must ensure that crown land and our resources are properly managed and supported by the resources necessary to achieve that responsibility.

7. Ban Raw Log Exports

Given British Columbiaâs poor performance in value-added timber products and the concern with maintaining wood manufacturing jobs would you support a ban on raw log exports?

Yes *

Comments: The BC Liberals oppose raw log exports.

8. Tenure Reform

Do you support the 1991 Forest Resources Commission Report which recommends that 50% of BCâs forest tenure be redistributed to local communities and small scale logging?

No *

Comments: The BC Liberals will work with all forest stakeholders to ensure an effective tenure system exists to benefit all British Columbians.

9. Clear Cut Logging

Do you support a phasing out of clear cut logging in British Columbia which currently comprises over 90% of logging practices in the province?

No *

Comments: The BC Liberals are committed to environmentally sustainable logging methods.

10. Saving Stoltman, Elaho Wilderness Areas

Do you support preserving the biologically diverse Stoltmann wilderness area including the Elaho valley as Class A provincial park?

No *

Comments: The BC Liberals believe that land use plans that have been reached by a legitimate consensus of stakeholders should not be started over and decisions on major land use issues, including parks, should be decided in public.

11. Commitment To Over 12% Wilderness Protection

In recognition that the Bruntland Commissionâs recommendation that 12% wilderness protection was a minimum to be achieved by the year 2000 do you support enhanced protection in environmentally sensitive and ecologically rich areas of British Columbia?

No *

Comments: The BC Liberals are committed to completing land use planning in British Columbia, and we recognize that 12% of the provincial land base has already been protected.

12. Banning Open Net Cage Fish Farms.

Given that the protection of wild salmon species and wild salmon habitat is listed as a concern by 88% of British Columbians, and in light of recently documented issues regarding the dangers to wild salmon by fish farms and genetically modified salmon, are you committed to banning open net cage fish farms?

No*

Comments: The BC Liberals support an aquaculture industry that is required to meet high environmental standards. We will ensure those standards are met and enforced, in keeping with sound science and responsible management practices.

13. Commitment To Reducing Green House Gases

Given that 69% of British Columbians are concerned with climate change and global warming and taking in account Canadaâs commitment to the Kyoto Protocol are you committed to reducing BCâs greenhouse gas emissions by 6% below 1990 levels?

No*

Comments: The BC Liberals recognize climate change is a serious environmental issues. We are committed to working toward solution to reduce greeenhouse gas emissions and enhance air quality in a responsible manner.

The BC Liberals did not supply individual candidates' responses.

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