VICTORIA, B.C. - The province has approved the request by Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht, and Pacheedaht First Nations to defer old-growth logging for two years in the Fairy Creek and the Central Walbran.
"We are encouraged to see the province approve deferral areas proposed by these three Nations in the Central Walbran and Fairy Creek watersheds,” said Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the B.C. Green Party and MLA for Cowichan Valley.
“But while the BC NDP are celebrating this long overdue step, it is important to recognize that they are ignoring First Nations across B.C. who have been calling for deferrals and protection of old growth in their territories, in some cases for years.
“This government has a tendency to spin numbers and mislead British Columbians when it comes to protecting old growth. They have a long way to go to rebuild trust on this issue.”
"Approving these deferrals is only the first step,” said Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands and member of the Tsartlip First Nation. “For decades Indigenous People have watched natural resources trucked out of their territory to the economic benefit of industry and the provincial government. The BC NDP government has a responsibility to provide the resources necessary, with no strings attached, to these Nations to develop this comprehensive integrated resource management plan. They have an opportunity right now to commit to support every Nation that wants to undertake similar processes.”
-30-
Media contact
JoJo Beattie
Press Secretary
B.C. Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | [email protected]