The Campbell government is jeopardizing the future of a comprehensive marine plan for the north coast by refusing to come to the table, says North Coast MLA Gary Coons.
“What happens on our shorelines and in our watersheds has a vast effect on the health of our ocean resources,” said Coons. “Gordon Campbell is failing coastal communities by refusing to come to the table and work with local stakeholders and the federal government to build a comprehensive marine plan for the north coast.”
This week, Gary Coons rose in the Legislature to express his concerns about the future of the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area, or PNCIMA. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in December of 2008 by DFO and coastal First Nations, but so far, the provincial government has not gotten involved.
“The success of this marine plan depends on the involvement of all levels of government,” Coons noted. “It’s time for the Campbell government to stop being spectators and start working with the federal government and local stakeholders to ensure that our ocean resources continue to benefit communities for years to come.”
The MOU outlines a “PNCIMA Model”, including a proposed method of governing and support for PNCIMA initiatives within the area. It also calls for the establishment of a steering committee and secretariat to guide and support future planning efforts and the involvement of all those with a vested interest in PNCIMA.
HANSARD BLUES DRAFT TRANSCRIPT
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2009
Afternoon Sitting
PACIFIC NORTH COAST
INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT AREA
G. Coons: It’s an optimistic time to be living and working on the coast of British Columbia. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans, as mandated through the Oceans Act, is now working collaboratively with all of us who have vested interests in our area. From the beaches of Haida Gwaii to Prince Rupert’s coastline and south to the passages of northern Vancouver Island, this is the Pacific north coast. Forging ahead with a planning process for PNCIMA, which is the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area, we now have an avenue that will provide local community members and other stakeholders with a vital forum for dialogue. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
I’m sure we all agree that we must participate with all levels of government in an integrated way to manage our coastal resources. A recent poll found two pertinent things — that nine out of ten British Columbians are not only concerned about the state of our oceans, but they also believe that we can have both a healthy environment and a healthy economy. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
The intent of the marine plan for PNCIMA is to establish an ecosystem-based management plan for the region, one that provides for the long-term sustainability for future generations. But this cannot be done without the involvement of all levels of government. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
In December 2008 a memorandum of understanding was signed by DFO and coastal first nations. This provides a model that guides planning efforts between DFO, coastal first nations and the North Coast–Skeena First Nations Stewardship Society working together. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
This is a fantastic first step, but to date, believe it or not, not all stakeholders have signed on to fully participate in this important process. Many on the north coast and central coast are surprised that our provincial government is absent from this MOU. Given the considerable role that the province normally plays in these kinds of governance arrangements, including the jurisdiction they have over the thousands of kilometres of marine foreshore as well as tenures and licences, many believe that the province cannot stand idly by and be an observer. We must sign on and become a full participant of PNCIMA. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]