VICTORIA, B.C. – Sonia Furstenau, B.C. Green Party spokesperson for environment, issued the following statement in response to the government’s announcement that is beginning a review of B.C.’s environmental assessment process. A commitment to review and revitalize the process B.C. Greens’ is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement with the B.C. NDP.
“This review is a first step in restoring public trust in our province’s environmental assessment process,” said Furstenau.
“There have been too many instances where development has failed to ensure the health and safety of our local communities. This has left communities and First Nations with no choice but to use the courts to advocate for their own protection. A robust environmental assessment process that includes adequate consultation and thorough scientific, evidence-based analysis will avoid costly legal challenges and save government from dealing with expensive clean-ups when projects go awry. A strong process where public trust is established at the outset will also provide far greater certainty for industry.
“Our natural resources are of great economic and cultural significance to the people of B.C. It is essential that they are developed in a way that protects the health and safety of our communities and benefits our local economies for the long-term. I look forward to working with the Minister to ensure that B.C. has the gold standard in environmental assessment processes.”
-30-
Media contact
+1 778-650-0597 | [email protected]