Skip to main content

“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

NDP government continues to make decisions about forest service roads and public lands in isolation, without considering the cumulative impacts on rural BC

IMAGE:  Government of BC

The NDP government is failing to keep the interests of all British Columbians in mind when making decisions on public land.

In what is part of a trend of short-sighted road closures and denying public access to public land, the NDP government is planning to eliminate public access to the Incomappleux Conservancy in the Kootenays. These decisions threaten public safety during emergencies and deprive communities of tourism and recreation opportunities.

“The NDP government continues to make decisions about forest service roads and public lands in isolation, without considering the cumulative impacts on rural BC,” said Donegal Wilson, Shadow Minister for Water, Land, Fisheries, and Wildlife Management. 

“These roads are far more than forestry infrastructure. They provide emergency access during wildfires, connect people to private property, and support hunting, fishing, camping, and outdoor recreation that rural economies depend on. Yet while communities are being told to diversify through tourism, the government is closing the very roads that provide access to those opportunities. We are seeing the consequences right now, as firefighters are forced to spend days rebuilding roads and bridges before they can get equipment to active wildfires. British Columbians deserve a government that manages public land with a long-term, whole-of-government approach instead of siloed decision making.”

“The Incomappleux Forest Service Road is being permanently closed. Prospectors, recreators, and 150 private property owners, will permanently lose access to this area which has been open for over 125 years,” said Scott McInnis, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Relations and MLA for Columbia River-Revelstoke. 

“Combine this with co-governance over Crown land use across this province and we’re seeing restricted access happen quickly and frequently under the NDP.”

“Public access to the back roads of BC is key to allowing people to enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, recreational vehicles, and camping,” said Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Leader of the Conservative Party of BC. 

“A BC Conservative government will reactivate any unnecessary closures and will repair roads where necessary to provide access to the citizens of BC who own and share them.”  

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper to step down for Conservative Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to run in a by-election

Deputy Whip and MLA Reann Gasper has informed the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia of her decision to step down as MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, creating an opportunity for Conservative Party of British Columbia Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to seek the seat in a forthcoming by-election. Gasper said the decision was made carefully and deliberately, with the future of British Columbia firmly in mind. Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper “This is a decision I have made after a great deal of careful consideration, and I believe it is the right decision for me, for our Party, and for the work ahead,” said MLA Gasper. “It has been a privilege to represent the people of Abbotsford-Mission, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me. I am also grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside my colleagues in the Conservative Caucus and to contribute to our leadership team.” “I have confidence in Kerry-Lynne, in her leadership, and in her ability to ...
Post a Comment
Read more

NDP Sits on $61 Million With No Start Date for Burnaby Hospital

Phase 2 of Burnaby Hospital redevelopment  was green lit to go ahead in September 2023 The NDP spent $45 million on the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment, cancelled the second phase, and now has another $61 million listed for the project in the province’s Public Accounts, with no start date for construction. If the NDP cancelled the project, what is happening to the $61 million set aside for it? The Phase 2 project was expected to cost between $1.7 billion and $1.8 billion and was intended to expand the hospital’s capacity. With Burnaby’s population growing and residents struggling to access healthcare, the government should be investing in healthcare capacity, not leaving millions of dollars tied up in limbo. “The NDP spent $45 million on this project before cancelling it, and now $61 million remains listed for it in the Public Accounts,” said MLA Misty Van Popta, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure. “If the government isn’t going to build the hospital expansion, it should explain whe...
Post a Comment
Read more

BC Conservatives Point to Warning Signs in BC’s Economy

While Canada posted modest job gains in July, warning lights are still flashing in British Columbia. Youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, leaving too many first-time jobseekers shut out of the workforce. BC also lost 3,400 public administration jobs in July, likely as temporary Census positions ended. “BC's jobs divide remains stark. Unemployment is far higher in business-driven communities like Kelowna (9.3%) and Abbotsford-Mission (8.3%) than in Victoria (5.0%). Government should be focused on creating the conditions for private-sector investment and job growth,” said Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission and Shadow Minister for Economic Development. “We need an economy where young people can find work, businesses can hire, and every region has the opportunity to prosper.” This comes as BC faces five straight quarters where more businesses are closing than opening, an NDP cabinet rift over job-creating projects like Tilbury LNG, and fresh signs that even the province's to...
Post a Comment
Read more

Labels

Show more