BC New Democratic Party Summary
| The BC New Democratic Party provided WCWC with a standard "party line" to all survey questions. Because the NDP "party line" does not answer the survey in the requested yes/no format WCWC staff assigned each NDP comment a yes/no response. We have included the NDP 'party line' in the comments area of the survey. If you are interested in viewing individual NDP candidate responses they are available here. |
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?
No*
Comments: Our party believes there is no consensus with respect to the issue of working forest legislation. To proceed with such legislation in the absence of concensus could cause confrontation as well as harm our international markets. The working forest land base would not impact upon existing special management provision or protected areas.
2. Watershed Protection
Do you support full protection of community watersheds. Including the banning of pesticides, herbicides, logging and other industrial disturbances?
No*
Comments: In April 2001, our government passed tough new Drinking Water Protection legislation, delivering on a commitment made in the fall of 2001. This plan focuses on four key priorites: effective land use management around water sources to prevent contamination; improved water treatment; proper maintenance of water distribution systems; and effective management and enforcement of water quality standards.
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?
Yes*
Comments: In February 2001, our government announced a 3-year moratorim on grizzly bear hunting in BC during which time scientists will assess BC's grizzly bear population and provide expert conservation advice to govenment. Our Party fully supports the moratorium and our government's record in creating Canada's only grizzly bear sanctuary.
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: On March 29, 2001, our government introduced legislation to create an independent Commissioner for environment and sustainability as part of our commitment to preserve BC's natural heritage for future generations. The Commissioner will report annually on the environmental performance of ministries and Crown corporation. The Commissioner's mandate includes ensuring clean air and clean water for British Columbians and supporting locally developed land-use plans across the province.
Our party also suppoprts the ability of the independent Chief Forester to ensure the level of the annual allowable cut is sustainable.
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: Currently, species at risk, as defined under the Forest Practices Code, also includes species that have regional population that may be threatened. The intent is that by addressing the habitat need os "regionally import wildlife" early on, the possibility that they will become listed provincially as threatened or endanged at a later date may be avoided. In 1999, the Identified Wildlife Management strategy was released, giving increased protection under the Forest Practices Code to species at risk. Our Party is committed to working with the provinces and Ottawa in protecting Canada's endangered species.
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?
No*
Comments: Our government has worked hard in setting the standard for forest practices in Canada. One of the goals of BC's results-based Forest Practices Code is to maintain environmental sustainability. From June 1997 to June 1998, more than 34,000 inspections of major and small business tenures, woodlots and other forest operations were conducted resulting in approximately 94% compliance. Since the code came into effect in June 1995, more than $1.7 million has been levied in fines for infractions. Forest operators who disagree with penalties can request a review through the Forest Appeals Commission. The public can also voice concerns, complaints and disagreements with government decisions on potential contraventions to the Forest Practices Board, which conducts independent audits and special investigations. Our Party is committed to providing resources to ensure compliance with the Forest Practices Code.
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?
No*
Comments: Log exports, though they have increased since 1997, are still lower than 1990 levels and most of the increases originate from private lands. Generally, over the past decade, log exports from Crown land average less than 1.5% of the annual harvest from Crown land. Our Party supports the current limitations on log exports. We must take wood and add value through manufacturing, employing BC workers, and ensuring jobs are not exported to other countries.
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: Our Party is committed to giving local communities new opportunities to manage local forests, new authority to protect drinking water and greater say in implementing Forest Renewal's mandate. Our government launched the community forest pilot project initiative to look at new and innovative ways to increase community involvement and manage BC's forests. Through the community forest pilot program, our government has been working with communities to build a new forest economy that increases the involvement of communities and First Nations in local forest management.
The Jobs and Timber Accord includes a commitment to design and test at least three community forest tenure models. A Community Forests Advisory committee was appointed in December 1997, recommending new tenure models, and providing communities with a greater role in forest management.
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: Our govenment made a commitment to review the roles of the Ministry of Forests and Forest Renewal BC, to clarify their respective responsibilities. The ministry has a legislated stewardship role, and Forest Renewal BC has a mandate to invest in BC's forests and the workers and communities that rely on them. The review is expected to recommend that the ministry fulfill its stewardship role be prviding clear resource management objectives and standards, and that Forest Renewal BC concentrate on social and economic objectives and investment in the delivery of its programs. For example, the ministry would retain its stewardship mandate for silviculture, while Forest Renewal BC and its partners would take a more comprehensive direct delivery role for a full range of silvicultural activities.
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: BC is recognized internationally for its land-use planning process. Our government has demonstrated theri commitment to give the highest possible protection to parks and protected areas as designated by BC's land use planning process. More than 462,000 hectare of parks and protected areas in BC have been legally protected as recommended in locally developed and endorsed land-use plans.
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?
Yes*
Comments: In January of 2001, our government exceeded the 12% commitment we made in 1991, and doubled the parks and protected areas in BC resulting in 720 parks, protected areas, and ecological reserves. BC is the first jurisdiction on the continent to protect 12% our our land base in parks and wilderness areas.
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: Our government strengthened regulations on farm operations and initiated green pilot projects to further ensure the aquaculture industry puts sustainability first. In October 2000, our government announced a new policy framework for the salmon aquaculture industry, including incentives to test closed-containment and other green technologies through the award of five saltwater and five freshwater pilot projects. In July 2000, our government passed new legislation to create a trust fund for aquaculture research, development and education. The fund assists BC salmon farms in their effort to stay at the cuttingedge of environmentally sustainable and economically competitive farming.
Our Party is committed to enforcing regulations that will stop fish farm sites from polluting the surrounding seabed and ensuring escapes are reduced to zero.
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: BC has taken a leadership roles in Canada in combating climate changes and in reducing greehouse gas emissions. BC's Climate Change Business Plan, released in October 2000, includes $13.4 million in new funding to fight climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In 1997, our government established the Greenhouse Gas Forum, including local government, industry, labour, business and environmental groups, to advise the province on development and implementation of greenhouse gas emission reductions. In 1998, our government implemented a market-based initiative, a greehouse gas emissions reduction trading pilot project to address climate change.
The New Democratic government participated in the national climated change process to ensure reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and contributed in the development of a national implementation strategy that supports the interests of British Columbians.
| To view the individual candidates' responses click here. |
