Rural Mayors Want Answers On Caribou Legislation

Dec 21, 2018 | 3:14 PM

VALEMOUNT – Regional Mayors are voicing their concerns over the proposed Section 11 Species At Risk legislation with respect to Mountain Caribou. The Mayor of Valemount, Owen Torgerson, says snowmobiling and heli-skiing are that community’s “bread and butter” and they are worried about the fate of those industries should the restricted be enhanced any further. 

But he says what’s even more frustrating is the deafening silence from Victoria.

“There has been very little, or no, consultation from our provincial government,” he says. “There was a roll-out of ‘What do you think?’ from the feds last September. We’re just worried all around.”

A consortium of Liberal MLAs has penned a letter to Forests Minister Doug Donaldson

“As time is of the essence, we request and expect that the appropriate ministries will immediately commence public community meetings, and engage with all stakeholders, including First Nations, local governments and local MLAs,” the letter states. “By ensuring there is adequate consultation, the government will be better able to address socio-economic concerns as an essential part of Mountain Caribou management plans.” 

 

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